Anigozanthos, commonly known as Kangaroo Paw will bring a burst of vibrant colour to your garden. With its long, slender stems topped by velvety, paw-shaped flowers in hues ranging from fiery reds and oranges to soft yellows and greens, Anigozanthos adds a touch of beauty to your outdoor space. These hardy and low-maintenance plants thrive in warm climates, making them the perfect choice for a garden that's not just beautiful but also easy to care for.
Planting Calendar
Prepare
Kangaroo Paws come in a range of vibrant colours well suited for sunny gardens or containers. Taller varieties look great at the back of garden boarders creating a vibrant back drop, while dwarf types can be planted near the front. They also make a great cut flower for floral work. They work well in raised beds and are ideal for low maintenance gardens. Birds love the nectar rich flowers and their presence will enhance the joy of your Kangaroo Paw display.
Position
Kangaroo Paws do best in a sunny spot in the garden and must have a free draining soil.
Soil
Kangaroo Paws prefer a soil that is slightly acidic that has good drainage. To improve the structure and drainage of your soil add compost, sheep pellets and sand or fine pumice.
Plant
When planting into the ground, gently tap the plant out of its pot. Dig a hole twice the depth and width of the plant’s root ball. Mix Kings Compost, sheep pellets and sand or pumice into your existing soil, then mix together. Backfill the hole with this soil, so that when planted the top of the plant’s roots sit level with the surrounding ground. Firm the soil down gently and water in well with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster. In heavier clay soils, where drainage is likely to be an issue, plant onto a raised mound and sprinkle Gypsum Clay Breaker into the bottom of the hole, this helps slowly condition the soil and help to break down the clay. When planting into containers, plant into Kings Container Mix, as this has water retention crystals in it, which will help in keeping the soil moist.
Care
Watering
They will need regular water during flowering season (spring/summer) but otherwise it pays not to let them get too wet. Avoid wetting foliage as this can encourage fungal problems.
Feeding
When planted in the ground liquid feed every month with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster, from Spring through to the end of Autumn, this encourages root growth and increases the microbial activity in the soil. Monthly applications of Kings Sheep Pellets will help with soil conditioning and plant health. If planted into a container, feed with Kings Liquid Fast Food along with monthly applications of Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster this encourages strong roots and a healthy immune system.
Protecting
Slugs and snails love a good munch on Kangaroo Paws. Lay quash slug bait around your plants and be sure to re-apply after rain.
Mulching
Mulch around the base of the plants (making sure it is not in direct contact with the trunk) with Living Earth More than Mulch. Mulching helps to reduce weeds as well as aiding the soil to lock moisture in the ground
Spraying
Kangaroo paws can be affected by some fungal diseases which can be treated by spraying with Free Flo Copper.
Pruning
Remove flower stems as soon as they are no longer looking their best. Cut them at the base and this will encourage new flower heads to form and will lengthen the flowering season.
Beginner Tip
The colourings in Kangaroo Paw flowers can also be affected by the weather and light conditions. Cooler summer temperatures will intensify the flower colour.
Expert Tip
Thanks to the underground rhizome root system you can divide your Kangaroo Paws quite easily if they get too big. Dividing large clumps is actually good for plant health and fosters strong vigorous growth.
Tip
Kangaroo Paws thrive with a good cutting back at the end of summer or in early autumn after the flowering has finished. You can be quite harsh, cutting old flower stems down to the ground. Don’t remove any fresh green shoots and leave a few taller stems as well. You still need about a third of the plant above ground but its underground rhizome will ensure the plant will shoot back with vigorous new growth in the spring.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the ideal growing conditions for Anigozanthos?
Anigozanthos thrives in full sun with well-drained soil. They prefer a position sheltered from strong winds.
How often should I water Anigozanthos?
They will need regular water during flowering season (spring/summer) but otherwise it pays not to let them get too wet. Avoid wetting foliage as this can encourage fungal problems.
When is the best time to plant Anigozanthos?
The best time to plant is in spring or early summer when the risk of frost has passed.
How do I propagate Anigozanthos?
Anigozanthos can be propagated by division or from seed. Division is best done in spring, while seeds should be sown in a well-draining mix.
How do I prune Anigozanthos?
Remove flower stems as soon as they are no longer looking their best. Cut them at the base and this will encourage new flower heads to form and will lengthen the flowering season.