Australia is known for its kangaroos, so it's appropriate that the floral emblem of Western Australia is a flower that resembles a kangaroo's paw. Kangaroo paw is the common name for the genus Anigozanthos, a group of rhizomatous perennials native to southwestern Australia but now prized by gardeners in the United States for their exotic good looks. Kangaroo paw is sometimes called cat's paw or Australian sword lily.
Description
Kangaroo paw has long, sword-shaped green leaves with flowering stems reaching 5 feet tall. It grows in clumps at a moderate pace. The showy flowers come in shades of white, red, orange, green or yellow and are similar in shape to a kangaroo's or cat's paw. It can bloom year-round if kept indoors.
Pests And Diseases
Kangaroo paw is particularly susceptible to ink disease, a fungus that blackens the leaves of the plant and can be difficult to treat. Affected leaves should be removed and burned to prevent spreading of the disease. You can also treat the fungus with copper oxychloride, a fungicide. Snails and slugs, which shred the plant's leaves, are also a common problem. When kept indoors, Kangaroo paw can attract spider mites.
Culture
The kangaroo paw thrives in hot, dry conditions with lots of sun. It prefers a well-drained, acidic soil. It is hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11 and grows especially well in coastal areas.
Care
Kangaroo paw should be watered well during the summer or other dry periods. This will encourage flowering. The plant is dormant during the winter months and requires less water at this time. In areas where frost or freezing is a threat, kangaroo paw should be brought indoors to overwinter. You can divide kangaroo paw plants in the spring or plant them from seed.
Uses
Kangaroo paw can be grown in containers, both indoors and out, or used as an accent in landscaping beds in summer. The cut flowers are popular for floral arrangements.
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