The Essential Guide To The Kangaroo Paw
Botanical Name: Anigozanthos spp.
Common Name: Kangaroo Paw
General Knowledge: The Kangaroo Paw, native to Western Australia, thrives in sandy soils and is well adapted to its arid environment. It is commonly used in landscaping for its striking and unique flowers, which add a splash of colour and an element of surprise to gardens. A fun fact about this plant is that its tubular flowers are designed to be pollinated by birds; as the bird reaches into the flower for nectar, the top of the flower deposits pollen onto the bird’s head, which is then transferred to the next flower the bird visits.
Colour Range: Anigozanthos: Yellows, yellow/green, oranges, reds, pinks, greenish-cream, green/red
Australian Seasonal Availability: Available virtually year-round, with different species and cultivars flowering at various times. Some are grown as field crops, and others in greenhouses.
Australian Wedding and Event Season Availability: With its peak availability in spring and early summer, Kangaroo paw is a popular choice for weddings and events during these seasons in Australia.
Commercially Grown in Australia: Yes, widely grown.
Imported into Australia: Generally, not imported due to wide availability within the country.
Australian Native Protections: As a native species, protections may apply. Ensure sourcing from reputable suppliers adhering to sustainable practices.
Buying Tips: Select stems where the first one or two florets in each inflorescence are open, and the flowers are vibrant and not faded. Ensure the top buds are plump and not dried or shrivelled. Avoid stems with tight buds and soft tips as they may droop.
Design Tips and Advice: Kangaroo Paws work well as line and transition elements in a variety of design styles. They are particularly fitting when an Australian native flower is requested. Ensure adequate support in arrangements, especially for wedding or funeral tributes.
Flower Maturity: Choose stems with the first few florets open and vibrant, ensuring top buds are plump.
Expected Vase Life: 10-15 days.
Typical Stem Length: 40-100 cm, depending on the cultivar.
Typical Bunch Size: 5-10 stems
Floral Preservatives: Use floral preservatives to extend vase life.
Ethylene Sensitivity: Kangaroo Paws are not sensitive to ethylene.
Temperature Requirements: Store at 2-4 °C. Avoid prolonged cool storage as it can reduce vase life.
Avoiding Potential Problems: Keep stems hydrated at all times and recut frequently. Be mindful of potential allergic reactions due to fine hairs on flowers and leaves. Ensure stems do not dry out as they do not last well out of water.
Cooling and Cool Rooms: Store at 2-4 °C but aim for minimal time in cool storage to preserve vase life.
Hydration and Vase Solutions: Use flower food in water and keep stems hydrated at all times. Recut stems frequently.
Care of Ethylene Sensitive Products: Not applicable as Kangaroo Paws are not ethylene sensitive.