Anigozanthos manglesii or the Red and Green Kangaroo Paw is an evergreen, perennial native to 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. They are low-maintenance and an excellent species 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 ornamental value. Anigozanthos manglesii begins displaying flowers from in late winter and continues to bloom into early summer, peaking in spring.
Growth
Red and Green Kangaroo Paw is a drought tolerant native that can grow to 1.2 metres tall and 1 metre wide and displays beautiful flowers from late winter. 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.
This species does not tolerate humid or tropical conditions and is only recommended for temperate and sub-tropical climates. In moist conditions the plant is susceptible to a fungal disease called ink spot while the leaves are often feasted on by snails.
For those in tropical climates check out the page on Anigozanthos flavidus red as this species is more tolerant in wet soils.
This species is not frost tolerant and will die off as the weather cools to 10°C or lower.
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.
For additional information visit our Growers Notes page or the list of the best gardening websites or check out the article about how to use your waste at home as a natural fertiliser.
FAMILY:
Haemodoraceae
CLIMATE:
Dry, Temperate.
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
10 to 40°C / 50 to 105°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well-draining soil
LOCATION:
Full Sun.
HEIGHT:
Up to 1.2 metres (4 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 0.2 metres (8 inches)
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:
2-5 weeks
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Fairly Easy
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 1000
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 MANGLESII (Red & Green Kangaroo Paw)
This species has gained the prestigious Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.
Red and Green Kangaroo Paw is used as a cut-flower because of its attractive and long-lasting blooms.
Anigozanthos manglesii is part of Western Australia’s coat of arms.
