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Paws for
Pleasure
Fascinated by the bizarre shape and colour combinations
of kangaroo paws (Anigozanthos and Macropidia
spp), plant breeders have developed a wealth of new
varieties, all from a small number of natural species
found only on Western Australia's sandplains.
It is not only the
strength of their colours which attracts the eye, but
the combinations in which they are presented. Flower
and stem are coated densely with coloured hairs; the
colours start and finish so abruptly it's as if they've
been dipped into one paint pot, then another of
different hue.
Gold and red, green and
red, orange and yellow, even black and green, all glow
in shades which make paws a very popular cut flower in
Australia and overseas. For the garden or pot, there's
a size for every situation, and their abundant nectar
ensures that your garden will be visited constantly by
honeyeaters .
They look so exotic you
may think of them as being soft, and needing to be
pampered ~ but not so. They thrive on minimal water
and feed, and benefit greatly from an annual pruning out
of old flower stems. They mix well with other strap
leaved perennials and complement fine foliaged
smaller-flowered heathland plants in mixed gardens.
The Pussy Paws™
collection of Kangaroo Paws will continue to expand.
The first selections are available for your garden now.
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