Anigozanthos ‘Kanga Cherry’ is a vibrant cultivar of Kangaroo Paw with striking cherry-red flowers. This perennial plant, native to Australia, enhances garden beds, borders, and containers. Its unique, tubular blooms resemble a kangaroo’s paw, creating an eye-catching display.
Understanding Anigozanthos Kanga Cherry
Anigozanthos ‘Kanga Cherry’ typically grows 1-2 feet tall and wide, forming compact, upright clumps of sword-like, green leaves. Its most notable feature is slender, fuzzy stalks topped with velvety, cherry-red flowers blooming from spring through fall. These tubular flowers are curved at the tips, resembling a kangaroo’s paw.
For optimal growth, ‘Kanga Cherry’ thrives in full sun (at least six hours daily) for abundant flowering. It prefers well-draining soil (sandy or loamy) and adapts to various soil compositions with excellent drainage. A slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5-6.5) is suitable. ‘Kanga Cherry’ is well-suited for USDA hardiness zones 9-11, suited for warmer, subtropical climates, though it can be grown in containers in cooler regions.
Essential Care Practices
Proper watering is important for ‘Kanga Cherry’ during establishment. While drought-tolerant once mature, it benefits from moderate watering to keep soil evenly moist. Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings to prevent root rot, especially in cooler months. Overwatering or soggy soil leads to fungal issues.
‘Kanga Cherry’ is not a heavy feeder, so extensive fertilization is generally not needed. A slow-release, low-phosphorus fertilizer applied in spring, before flower stalks appear, supports healthy growth and flowering. Native plant formulations are often recommended, as excessive phosphorus harms Kangaroo Paws. Incorporating 1-2 cups of compost annually in spring provides adequate nutrients.
Pruning maintains the plant’s vigor and appearance. Deadheading spent flower stalks at their base encourages new blooms and tidies the plant. Removing old, browning, or damaged foliage promotes fresh growth and improves air circulation. When removing old leaves, snip the entire strap from the base rather than just trimming brown tips, as trimmed tips remain unsightly.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
‘Kanga Cherry’ can encounter common problems, primarily fungal diseases. Ink disease, characterized by black blotches on leaves and flower stems, is common, particularly in humid conditions. Good air circulation, proper watering practices to avoid prolonged leaf wetness, and removing affected foliage help manage this disease. In severe cases, cutting the plant back to the ground encourages new, healthier growth.
Environmental stressors can cause visible plant issues. Browning leaf tips may indicate underwatering or low humidity; a lack of blooms can stem from insufficient light or nutrient deficiencies. Ensuring full sun and appropriate, low-phosphorus fertilization addresses these concerns. Poor drainage or overwatering can lead to general decline and root rot, emphasizing well-draining soil and careful irrigation.