Re: Kangaroo Paws

Tim Longville wrote:
> 
> Germination of most Anigozanthus spp is easy enough from seed -
> reasonable heat, reasonable moisture, nothing excessive or specialized
> - but presumably that particular one is a cultivar and wouldn't come
> true (supposing anyway, of course, that it isn't a sterile one). On
> the other hand, you might get all sorts of odd forms of your own,
> which it might be fun to grow on.

Hi Tim
According to the Aussie Wildflower Catalogue some species are difficult
from seed.
> 
> No Kangaroo Paw has ever rotted here in my wet UK West Coast climate,
> so I don't think it can be simply moisture-as-moisture - but I seem to
> remember (though thankfully I've no personal experience of it
> happening) that these critters are liable to some infection-cum-rot -
> is it called ink-blot or ink-spot or something of the sort? No doubt
> one of our Aussie or Kiwi members can provide more (and more
> accurate!) detail and say if that seems a likely explanation. 

Yes, Ink Disease is caused by a fungus and attacks many of the species.
However the "Bush Gem" series has been bred for high resistance and will
usually remain trouble-free.

They like a well-drained sandy or gravelly soil in full sun, though
curiously a very long-lived individual in my garden is in considerable
shade, (but with light soil and excellent drainage).

Someone was asking if one could get a red one and this is a very dark
red. Unfortunately I have no idea of the name, though I am pretty sure
it pre-dates the "Gems". It does seem very healthy anyhow.

One thing I have found is that once suited they are best left alone. I
had a beautiful tall brownish-gold hybrid years ago which I moved
because it was to high for the front of the border and it has sulked
ever since.

Moira
-- 
Tony & Moira Ryan <theryans@xtra.co.nz>
Wainuiomata, 
New Zealand (astride the "Ring of Fire" in the SW Pacific).
Other Mailing lists | Author Index | Date Index | Subject Index | Thread Index