Anigozanthos

Class

Monocotyledoneae

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Haemodoraceae

Order

Commelinales

Genus

Anigozanthos

Species

hybrida

Description

Anigozanthos is a genus of perennial plants native to south-western Australia, which therefore require a hot, dry climate.
There are varieties that require vernalisation to flower, as well as tall varieties for cut flowers and short, rounded varieties for pot cultivation.

Given the prevailing climatic conditions, it is widely appreciated as a pot plant and for planting in flowerbeds in full sun; in the latter case, it requires well-drained, well-tilled, level soil as it is sensitive to waterlogging.

Curiosities and special features

Commonly known as ‘Kangaroo paw’ because of its inflorescences bearing slightly velvety tubular flowers that resemble a kangaroo’s paw.

Origin and distribution

The botanical genus Anigozanthos is native to south-western Australia and comprises 11 species that differ mainly in terms of their height and the colour of their flowers. Hybrids are very common and are widely used for ornamental purposes.

Leaf

The leaves have a lanceolate blade.

Leaf colour

Plain-coloured, in a shade that harmonises with the colour of the flower clusters.

Plant height

The plant grows to a height of between 0.2 and 0.4 m, making it ideal for planters as well as for mixed borders with other ornamental plants, creating highly decorative landscape features.

Lifespan

A rhizomatous perennial herb, which may be evergreen or deciduous depending on local climatic conditions.

Where to plant

Given its size and spectacular inflorescences, it is recommended for use in pots, planters, gardens and parks.

Stem

The stems are herbaceous; the plant has no thorns.

Flower

The flower is simple in shape, of medium size, with a tubular corolla. The petals are either bicoloured or single-coloured. It forms medium-sized raceme or cluster inflorescences. It flowers from mid-spring to summer, with a flowering period of between 90 and 110 days.

Growth

It is characterised by a rounded growth habit, perfect for achieving compact, dense results.

Plant habit

It develops an upright habit, visually emphasised by the flower stalks.

Branching

Medium branching.

PH

It requires a slightly acidic substrate or soil pH, with optimal values ranging from 5.8 to 6.5.

Soil preparation

Before planting, lightly dig over the soil, removing any weeds, residues from previous crops and large stones; then work in a slow-release organic or granular chemical fertiliser evenly, and break up any large clods to make the soil looser. To ensure proper drainage of excess water and prevent waterlogging, it is advisable to create a raised bed by slightly mounding the soil. Finally, level the surface carefully.

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Sun exposure

Suitable for exposure in half shade, full sun.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 18 and 24 °C during the growing season.

It is sensitive to cold and frost, which is why it is often grown as a houseplant; it can then be moved outdoors into a pot during the summer if temperatures permit (above 18°C), taking care to protect it from direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day. In areas with mild winters, it can be grown in a flowerbed, protected by a layer of mulch spread over the soil surface.

Depending on climatic conditions, it may lose its above-ground parts when winter temperatures drop, only to regrow the following spring.

Use

The uniqueness of its inflorescences gives it a prominent role as a plant in:
Ornamental use Outdoor landscape design

Hardiness

Moderately hardy. It copes well with hot, dry summers but cannot withstand the winter cold with severe, prolonged frosts.

Soil

It requires light, well-drained and well-tilled soil on level ground, ideally mixed with good peat-based compost.

If grown in a planter, use a high-quality potting compost specifically designed for potted foliage plants.

Difficulty

It can be moderately difficult to grow, given its temperature requirements; it requires a moderate level of care.

Growing tips

Some specific cultivation guidelines to promote better vegetative growth:
Avoid over-watering Keep the growing medium dry at low temperatures

Combinations with other plants

It is also suitable for use in mixed plantings with other ornamental plants such as Festuca glauca, Gaura lindheimeri, Helianthemum,Pennisetum setaceum, Phormium, Stachys byzantina and Stipa tenuissima.

Planting

As with any ornamental bedding plant, it is important to plant them at a suitable density to ensure optimal growth vigour, thereby achieving a well-proportioned and visually harmonious final result; an average planting density of12 plants per square metre is therefore recommended.

Pruning

Once flowering is complete, cut off the spent flower stalks.

At the end of winter, remove any dried-out parts.

Propagation

By dividing the rhizomes.

Watering

Water carefully, as the plant is sensitive to both overwatering – which can lead to root rot – and periods of drought – which can cause the leaves to turn yellow and the edges to dry out.

Avoid watering directly onto the leaves; it is better to use a hose or water near the base of the plant with pH-neutral water.

Do not leave water standing in the saucer for long periods.

Reduce watering during the winter months.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Fertilising

During the summer, add a liquid fertiliser specifically designed for flowering plants to the potting mix or soil, diluting it in the watering can without exceeding the recommended dose or frequency.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Edibility for humans

Non-edible

Tip

Avoid watering the leaves; it’s better to use an automatic hose or water near the base of the stem. The flowers can be picked when the first bloom opens on the inflorescence. This way, they’ll last longer – up to 15–20 days. Even when the flowers are dried, they still look lovely in the home.