ANIGOZANTHOS

This genus contains 11 species of evergreen clump-forming perennials, all of which are confined naturally to southwestern Australia. The foliage is usually dark green and varies from grassy to iris-like, with sword-shaped leaves. Tubular-shaped firry blooms thought to resemble a kangaroo`s paw are borne on slender branching stems,usully during the warmer months. Flowers occur in green and deeper shades of gold , pink, red, and russet brown,depending on the species. They make excellent cut flowers as they last well when cut, and many new varieties have been developed with the florist trade in mind. A very diffrent use for flowers of Anigozanthos plants is the addition of floral extracts to shampoos and conditioners.

CULTIVATION

Plants  in a sunny position with good drainage.Most plants perform better if watered well during the growing season but will tolerate drought. Blackened foliage is a sign of ink disease, which can be very damaging,as can slugs and snails.Propagation is most often by division.Species may be raised from seed.

Top Tip

These plants are highly valued for use as cut flowers, though most will grow well outdoors in frost-free regions.Plant in a border and water well to porolong flowering over summer.