Common Name: kangaroo paw
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Haemodoraceae
Zone: 9 to 11
Height: 1.00 to 1.25 feet
Spread: 1.00 to 1.25 feet
Bloom Time: May to September
Bloom Description: Dark red
Sun: Full sun
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Medium
Suggested Use: Annual
Flower: Showy
Leaf: Evergreen
Attracts: Hummingbirds
Culture
Best grown in evenly moist, rich, well-draining soils in full sun. Mix sand into the growing medium to improve drainage if necessary. This plant tends to be short-lived (2-5 years). Divide mature clumps in spring to help maintain vigor. Cut back the foliage in winter to reduce pest and disease pressure. Allow plants to go dormant and overwinter indoors in regions with cold, wet winters. Hardy in Zones 9-11.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Anigozanthos is a genus of around 11 species of rhizomatous, herbaceous perennials endemic to southwestern Australia. The evergreen, strap-like foliage is lanceolate in shape and forms a basal rosette. Branched inflorescences of tubular flowers emerge from the centers of the rosettes. The flowers are covered in colorful hairs which include shades of red, orange, pink and yellow. The tubular flowers are attractive to hummingbirds.
Genus name comes from the Greek words anoigo meaning "to open" and anthos meaning "flower" as the flower flares open almost to its base.
The common name kangaroo paw refers to the appearance of the flowers.
'Joe Joe Red' is a compact, hybrid selection of kangaroo paw that features dark red, tubular flowers with a fuzzy texture. The clumps of strap-like foliage can reach up to 1.25' tall with a similar spread. The flowering stalks can reach up to 2' tall and are topped with clusters of blooms from spring to fall.
Problems
Susceptible to ink disease (a fungal infection characterized by black splotches on the foliage), as well as damage from snails and slugs. Rabbits like the foliage of this plant.
Uses
Mixed beds, borders, containers. The flowering stalks are suitable for use in fresh cut arrangements. A short-lived perennial that may be best used as an annual.