Anigozanthos flavidus
€20.00
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Description
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Kangaroo Paw, Yellow Kangaroo Paw
- Botanical Name: Anigozanthos flavidus
- Plant Type: Evergreen perennial
- Mature Height: 1-2m
- Mature Spread: 0.6-1m
- Flowering Period: May-October
- Flower Colour: Yellow-green to golden yellow
- Foliage: Grey-green, strap-like leaves
- Hardiness: RHS H3 (-5°C to 0°C)
- Soil Requirements: Well-drained, sandy, slightly acidic to neutral
- Aspect: Full sun
- Maintenance: Moderate
Description
Like exotic birds perched amongst the foliage, Anigozanthos flavidus brings a touch of Australian wilderness to the Irish garden with its extraordinary tubular flowers that truly resemble a kangaroo’s paw. This remarkable perennial creates an instant conversation piece, its unusual blooms emerging on tall, sturdy stems that dance gracefully above clumps of sword-like foliage throughout the warmer months.
Standing tall with architectural presence, this striking native of Western Australia produces clusters of velvety, tubular flowers in shades ranging from soft yellow-green to rich golden yellow. Each bloom is covered in fine, colourful hairs that give the flowers their distinctive fuzzy texture, whilst the curved shape and protruding stamens create the unmistakable resemblance to a kangaroo’s paw that gives this plant its charming common name.
Named from the Greek ‘anigos’ meaning to open and ‘anthos’ meaning flower, this drought-tolerant beauty has adapted surprisingly well to Irish conditions when given the right microclimate. Its long flowering season and exotic appearance make it perfect for adding year-round interest to Mediterranean-style gardens, coastal plantings, or contemporary borders where its architectural form can be fully appreciated.
Magnificent in large containers on sunny patios or planted in gravel gardens alongside other drought-tolerant specimens. Pairs beautifully with ornamental grasses, silver-leaved plants like lavender and santolina, and other architectural perennials such as phormium and agapanthus, creating striking textural contrasts that celebrate both form and colour in the Irish garden.
Caragh Garden Notebook
Planting: Plant in late spring after all risk of frost has passed, spacing 60-80cm apart to allow for mature spread. Choose the warmest, most sheltered spot in your garden – ideally against a south-facing wall or in a sunny courtyard where it’s protected from cold winds and excessive winter wet.
Soil Requirements: Requires exceptionally well-drained, sandy soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0. In heavy Irish soils, create raised beds or add plenty of grit and sharp sand to improve drainage. Winter wet is more problematic than cold temperatures, so excellent drainage is absolutely crucial for success.
Container Growing: Ideal for container growing in Ireland – use a soil-based compost mixed with extra grit and place containers in the sunniest, most sheltered position. Move containers to an unheated greenhouse or conservatory during winter months for protection.
Watering & Feeding: Water regularly during growing season but allow soil to dry between waterings. Reduce watering significantly in winter. Feed monthly with a low-phosphorus fertiliser during the growing season, as kangaroo paws are sensitive to high phosphorus levels.
Pruning & Maintenance: Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continued blooming. Cut back old flower stems to ground level in late autumn. In colder areas, provide winter protection with horticultural fleece or move container plants under cover.
Propagation: Divide clumps every 3-4 years in spring to maintain vigour and prevent overcrowding. This exotic beauty rewards patience and the right conditions with months of spectacular, otherworldly blooms that bring a taste of Australia to your Irish garden!
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