Anigozanthos manglesii
red and green kangaroo paw
Overview
Anigozanthos manglesii is an evergreen perennial forming a basal clump of flat, strap-like leaves 6-16 inches (15-40 cm) long and producing flowering stems 16-40 inches (40-100 cm) tall. The leaves are grey-green and arch outward from the base. The flowering stems are covered in dense red woolly hairs and carry tubular flowers along the upper part. Each flower is 3-4 inches (7-10 cm) long, deep green and split at the tip into six curved lobes that spread like a paw, with the red stem and green flower giving the plant its name. Flowering occurs in spring, from August to November in the native range. The flowers hold nectar and are pollinated by birds, whose heads pick up pollen as they feed. After flowering, the stems set small capsules of dust-like seed and the plant may die back. It grows in sandy soils in open woodland and heath in south-western Australia and tolerates drought and full sun but is short-lived, often persisting three to five years. It is prone to a fungal ink-spot disease in humid or wet conditions.
Native Range
Native to south-western Western Australia, where it grows in open woodland and heath on well-drained sandy soils. It is the floral emblem of Western Australia.Suggested Uses
Grown as a feature plant in dry, sunny native gardens, gravel beds, and containers with sharp drainage. The long-lasting stems are cut for fresh and dried flower arrangements. The nectar-rich flowers draw honeyeaters and other birds.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1'4" - 3'4"
Width/Spread1' - 1'8"
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs in spring, from August to November in the native range and in the corresponding spring months in Northern Hemisphere cultivation. Red woolly stems carry deep-green tubular flowers over several weeks. Birds feeding on the nectar pollinate the flowers.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Green flowers on red woolly stemsFoliage Description
Grey-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grow Anigozanthos manglesii in full sun in sharply drained sandy or gravelly soil with a pH of 5.5-7.0. It needs dry conditions and good air movement, and it is prone to a fungal ink-spot disease in humid, wet, or crowded settings. Water during the cool growing season and keep the clump dry through summer dormancy. A low-phosphorus fertilizer suits it, as the family is sensitive to phosphorus. The plant is short-lived, often lasting three to five years, and is renewed from seed or division.Pruning
Cut spent flowering stems to the base after flowering to tidy the clump and limit ink-spot disease. Remove blackened or diseased leaves as they appear. Dividing the clump every few years in autumn renews vigour.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
late spring
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons