Colorful and unique, kangaroo paws are an Australian Icon which have become famed the World over! Vibrant flowers perch on long stems adding color to the garden and attracting birds. And they also make superb cut flowers!
Anigozanthos (pronounced an-ih-go-zan-thos) or more commonly known as kangaroo paws produce clusters of fuzzy tubular blossoms that do indeed resemble kangaroo toes. The size of the flowers, stem length and color vary depending on the species and cultivar. The coarse hairs growing around kangaroo paw flowers and their stems determine their eventual color. Weather also plays a role in color variation. In cooler climates, kangaroo paws will develop more intense colors. Some kangaroo paws can grow over 6 feet in height!
Because of their novel appearance, kangaroo paws are used to symbolize uniqueness and individuality.
Post-Harvest Care:
- Select well-branched stems with some of the flowers open. Flowers should display clean, vibrant color. Avoid stems with limp flowers or browning petal tips.
- When processing, strip foliage that falls below the water line. Recut stems about ¼” at an angle (45-degrees) and hydrate them in water for about five hours before use in designs.
- Stems can be re-cut under running water or in a bowl of clean water. Cutting under water may reduce the risk of air pockets forming at the stems’ base and allows the flowers to absorb water right away.
- Kangaroo paws are also heavy drinkers, so good hydration is essential when processing and designing.
Strap into your pouch as we hop through some of our favorite designs where we mixed kangaroo paws with proteas and other vivid flowers.
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