Anigozanthos, Kangaroo Paw 'Bush Illusion'

Anigozanthos:
Native to southwestern Australia, these evergreen perennials are noted for their unique bird-attracting tubular flow...Read Moreers, the outsides coated with dense shaggy hairs and opening at the apex into 6 'claws', the whole resembling an animal's paw. Foliage is somewhat grass-like, and the various species can range in height form 1-6'. Flowers come in many colors including green, gold, deep red and orange-red; some species and hybrids are bi-colored. In recent years many hybrids have been produced, meeting the demands of the cut-flower industry and the florists' trade in potted flowers----an example is Anigozanthos 'Red Cross'----though most will grow outdoors equally well.

Bush Gem Series:
The best of the kangaroo paws for their resistance to ink disease, The Bush Gems hybrids are mostly of compact size, with flowers ranging from yellow, gold and green through to orange, red and burgundy. 'Bush Heritage' is a small cultivar of 12-20" in height with flowers of burnt terracotta and olive green. 'Bush Twilight' grows 8-15" tall, has prolific flowers in muted orange, yellow and green tones, appearing mainly in spring above the dull green very narrow leaves. Other popular cultivars in the Series are 'Bush Glow', sunset-red and 'Bush Gold', golden yellow.

Cultivation: They prefer warm, very well-drained sandy or gravelly soil and a hot, sunny, open position. Water well during dry seasons. Most will tolerate drought, although flowering will be prolonged with summer water. Propagate by division in spring or from fresh seed. Plants are often affected by ink disease, a fungus which blackens the foliage. Watch for snails which can shred younger leaves overnight.