ANIGOZANTHOS. Kangaroo paw. These Australian perennials are unusual at the least; bizarre might describe them better. They form dense clumps of iris-like leaves. Branched stems, often clothed with colored hairs, rise above the leaves at various times (some selections bloom continuously), bearing fuzzy flowers colored nearly black to chartreuse, yellow and red. Each flower is fused into a tube, deeply slit along the lower surface and spread fanlike near the tip, giving it the silhouette of an animal's paw. Sun, well drained soil (some are good container subjects, given a light, fluffy mix), moderate to light watering. The plants should be kept as dry as possible during the winter months, to avoid fungus rots. Hardiness varies from below 20o to 25o+.
bicolor. One of the smaller species, with 1' narrow, grey green leaves and slightly taller blooming stems. The stems are densely coated with decorative red fur, while the blossoms are red and bright green.
flavidus is the largest, the hardiest, and the most easily grown of the “paws”. It is distinguished by shiny, dark green leaves, 2’ or more tall, and 3-5’ flower stems bearing green, yellow or reddish blossoms. Many hybrids and clonal selections have been made, here and abroad. ‘Harmony’ is a prolific grower with bright yellow flowers. ‘Regal Claw’ is an exceptionally robust selection, carrying orange-red blossoms on 6’ stems. And ‘Red Cross’ has spectacular flowers of deep, glowing red. Unnamed selections with pink, red orange and chartreuse flowers are also available.
manglesii. Though universally admired, this is not a plant for everyone to grow, being frustratingly susceptible to disease. It has 1-2' blue-green leaves and 2-3' stems of striking, large blossoms, red at the base and brilliant green beyond. Full exposure and fast-draining soil are essential with this one.
rufus. We have found our material of this species as easy to grow as A. flavidus. It is a smaller plant, with broad, greyish green leaves about 1' tall. Both the 2-3' stems and the abundant blossoms are densely felted with dark red hairs.
viridis. One of the more delicate in appearance. The plants grow 1-2' tall, having narrow, pale green leaves and stems. The flowers vary from lime-green with a turquoise blush to chartreuse.