Courtney Fagan - Plant Profile
Botanical Name: Anigozanthos hybrids
Common Name: Kangaroo Paw
FAMILY NAME: HAEMODORACEAE
Species and cultivars of special interest:
“Bush Dawn” or “Bush Ranger”
Origin: Australian Native. Western Australia in particular because of the hot and humid climate which the Kangaroo Paw thrives on.
Availability: March to December
Foliage Characteristics: Grass-like leaf clumps
Floral Characteristics: Kangaroo Paw produce a Luminous yellow flower. The Kangaroo Paw is a long-flowering plant. Australian native plants, much loved for their clusters of clawlike flowers that open from the furry, tactile buds. The Bloom colour varies from red through to orange, yellow and pink.
Special features and characteristics of special interest: The Kangaroo Paw is bird attracting. Kangaroo Paws make very good cut flowers and ornamentals. Kangaroo Paws are exported widely globally and are grown commercially in the USA, Israel and Japan.
Maintenance, Cultural requirements and Post Harvest Treatments: Will grow in all but the most hot and humid parts of Australia. Kangaroo paws are best in dry rather than humid climates. In temperate climates such as Sydney this plant must have very good drainage. In very hot inland areas the plants may need shelter from the full heat of the sun in summer and protection from frost in winter by planting for example in the shelter of trees.
Pest and Diseases: A major disease of kangaroo paws is a fungus which causes ink disease, Ink disease appears as large black blotches on the leaves. Plants growing in cool moist climates are more susceptible. To prevent the spread of fungal spores, badly effected leaves should be removed and burnt.
Kangaroo paws are also prone to snail and slug attack and special attention should be given to removing them.
Use In Floristry: Arrangements of Australian Natives, Funerals
Customer advice: Longevity of flower life can be extended when Floral Preservative is used Remove dead leaves from time to time Cut off spent flower heads Cut back hard if plants become untidy
References
https://www.burkesbackyard.com.au/fact-sheets/in-the-garden/flowering-plants- shrubs/kangaroo-paw-bush-dawn/#.VABjT_mSzX4
http://www.yates.com.au/flowers/grow/growing-kangaroo-paws/
http://www.marketfresh.com.au/
http://www.anbg.gov.au/anigozanthos/