Anigozanthos
(Kangaroo Paw)
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As I first saw this genus in Australia 30 years ago, I was amazed that no one had imported them into the US by the millions. Even now they are seldom seen or heard of. Very few plants show up in the wild with as much ornamental potential as the Kangaroo Paw. This is a genus in the family Haemodoraceae, containing 11 species, native to a variety of habitats in southwest Australia. They hybridize freely, and several hybrids are now sold in Australian nurseries, a few of which are beginning to be available here. Our experience with Kangaroo Paws is that they are almost hardy in our zone 8 western Oregon location; perhaps they are now that our climate seems to be edging toward zone 9. They overwinter for us in an unheated cold frame.
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'Bush Devil' is a bright red 3-4 feetEvergreen perennial that resulted from genetic mutation of the Anigozanthos cultivar 'Bush Ranger' (Anigozanthos humilis x A. flavidus) creating a tetraploid hybrid much like 'Bush Ranger' with bright red flowers. 'Bush Devil' differs in being more vigorous and taller with branched flower stalks, covered with reddish hairs, reaching to 3-4 feet tall. As with 'Bush Ranger' this cultivar blooms from spring-fall. Hardy to 32 degrees F. zones 9-11
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| 'Royal Cheer' is a hybrid with the red/green color common to A. flavidus, but a bit smaller, to 3', and with hybrid vigor and a longer bloom time. Blooms persist for several months, and are good as cut flowers, making a striking addition to any arrangement. Hardy to zone 9 or overwinter under cover. |
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