Anigozanthos flavidus red or the Red Kangaroo Paw is an evergreen, rhizomatous perennial which is native to the southern regions of Western Australia. Plants can produce up to 300 red flowers on ten stems and like the name suggests, they resemble a kangaroo’s paw. This species is low-maintenance and an excellent variety for attracting birds to the garden.
Although this plant is native to Western Australia, it is now cultivated all over the world due to its drought tolerance and for its ornamental value. Unlike many other types of Kangaroo Paw, the flavidus can be grown in a wide range of climates including sub-tropical and tropical environments. If it is grown inside a greenhouse this species has the potential to produce blooms all year round.
Anigozanthos flavidus has several other common names which include Tall Kangaroo Paw, Evergreen Kangaroo Paw and Anigosia flavida.
Growth
Red Kangaroo Paw is a drought tolerant, evergreen native that can grow to 2 metres tall and 1 metre wide and displays beautiful red flowers through spring and summer. The plant can be grown by either seed, rhizomes or cuttings but is often grown commercially by tissue culture. Seed germination rates can be low at around 20-30% although smoke treatment methods will improve the strike rates.
Anigozanthos flavidus can adapt to a range of soil types and climates because of its leathery leaves and tolerance to sitting in moist soil. It is less prone to the fungal attacks other Kangaroo Paws suffer such as ink spot disease because of its stronger leaf structure.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Haemodoraceae
CLIMATE:
Dry, Temperate, Sub Tropical, Tropical.
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
10 to 40°C / 50 to 105°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well-draining soil
LOCATION:
Full Sun.
HEIGHT:
Up to 2 metres (6 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 1 metre (3 feet)
pH:
6.1-6.5
GROWTH TYPE:
Perennial.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Light
POLLINATION:
Birds.
MATURITY:
6-12 months depending on climate.
GERMINATION RATES:
20-30%
GERMINATION TIME:
3-6 weeks
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Fairly Easy
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 1200
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
No
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
EDIBLE:
No
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Room Temperature storage 2-3 years. Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 5 years.
FACTS ABOUT ANIGOZANTHOS FLAVIDUS (Red Kangaroo Paw)
This variety of Kangaroo Paw can live for around 30 years.
The Kangaroo Paw is fast growing and is one of the few native flowers that can reach a sellable size within six months of planting.
Growing Anigozanthos flavidus in your garden will attract nectar-loving birds.
Kangaroo Paws grow rhizomes underground which make them resistant to fire and after a fire they will grow back from these.
