Anigozanthos flavidus (Kangaroo Paw)

Native to Australia, Anigozanthos flavidus (Kangaroo Paw) is an evergreen rhizomatous perennial with interesting flower shapes atop fans of slender, strap-shaped leaves. Borne on long, leafless flowering stalks, the remarkable flowers, are usually yellow-green, but can be orange, red, pink or green. Clustered at the ends of the stalks, they are tubular, covered with velvety hairs and have pointed lobes, which are curved at their tips, giving them the appearance of kangaroo paws, hence the common name. A striking and easily-grown perennial for frost-free or nearly frost-free climates, Anigozanthos flavidus enjoys a natural resistance to disease and insect attack. It is the parent of many colorful hybrid cultivars.

• Blooms over a fairly long season extending from late spring to fall, if spent flowering spikes are cut to the ground. The flowers attract nectar-feeding birds and honey possums. If grown in greenhouses, this plant may bloom year-round.
• Evergreen, the foliage forms a basal rosette of narrow, linear, upright or arching, medium green leaves, up to 3ft. long (90 cm).
• Particularly tall, this Anigozanthos species can reach up to 3-6 ft. in height (90-180 cm) and 2-4 ft. in spread (60-120 cm).
• Best grown in well-drained sandy loam in full sun to light shade. Water freely during the flowering season, keep almost dry in winter. Provide a location protected from strong winds. Protect with a dry mulch over the winter months. Anigozanthos flavidus is tolerant of seasonally wet soils, growing in clay soils or in sand.
• Tidy the plant after flowering by deadheading.
• Terrific at providing a vibrant splash of color in sunny garden borders, this plant makes a lovely backdrop at the back of the border. Excellent as cut flowers.
• Propagation is by seed