The Anigozanthos ‘Fire’ is a spectacular exotic perennial perfect for Irish container gardens, conservatories, and contemporary landscape designs. This striking drought-tolerant plant produces distinctive tubular flowers in brilliant red with bright yellow tips, making it ideal for gardeners seeking architectural, low-maintenance plants with exceptional summer colour.

This extraordinary Australian native creates dramatic displays with its unique kangaroo paw-shaped flowers that emerge on tall, sturdy stems above clumps of sword-like foliage. The velvety, tubular blooms in fiery red with golden tips create an almost tropical appearance, while the fuzzy flower texture adds tactile interest to garden schemes. Each flowering stem can produce multiple blooms, creating impressive spikes of colour that last for months.

As one of our most exotic tender perennials, ‘Fire’ thrives in well-drained conditions and adapts beautifully to container cultivation, making it perfect for Irish gardeners who can provide winter protection. Its naturally upright, clumping growth makes it exceptional for modern garden schemes, patio displays, or as a dramatic conservatory specimen. The plant’s drought tolerance once established makes it ideal for water-wise gardening.

The Anigozanthos ‘Fire’ combines beautifully with ornamental grasses, architectural succulents, and Mediterranean plants, creating striking contemporary compositions suitable for Irish gardens. Its exotic flowers provide perfect contrast to traditional plantings while adding bold colour and unique texture to modern outdoor spaces.

Plant in late spring after frost risk has passed, spacing 60cm apart in very well-drained soil. Use a specialist free-draining compost mixed with extra grit for container growing. Ensure pots have excellent drainage holes and consider adding feet to raise containers off the ground. This plant absolutely requires excellent drainage – wet winter conditions will cause rhizome rot. In heavy soils, create raised beds or mounds with added sharp sand and grit. For containers, use a 60:40 mix of quality multipurpose compost and horticultural grit.

In Ireland, treat as a tender perennial requiring winter protection. Move containers to a bright, frost-free location (5-15°C) before first frost. Cut back spent flower stems to encourage more blooms. Remove any dead or damaged foliage regularly to maintain plant health. Water regularly during active growth but allow soil to dry between waterings. Reduce watering significantly in winter when growth slows. Avoid overhead watering which can cause crown rot – always water at soil level. Signs of overwatering include yellowing leaves and soft growth.

Divide established clumps in spring, ensuring each division has healthy rhizomes and growing points. Allow cut surfaces to dry for 24 hours before replanting. Can also be grown from fresh seed, though germination can be slow and erratic.