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| Category: Perennial |
| Family: Haemodoraceae |
| Origin: Australia (Australasia) |
| Evergreen: Yes |
| Flower Color: Black |
| Bloomtime: Spring/Summer |
| Height: 1-2 feet |
| Width: 1-2 feet |
| Exposure: Full Sun |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Medium Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 25-30° F |
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Macropidia fuliginosa (Black Kangaroo Paw) - This evergreen perennial forms clumps to 1 to 2 feet tall with sword-like gray-green foliage. In mid spring and lasting until mid summer emerge the 2 foot tall branched inflorescence with dark stems and dark blackish buds that flare open at tips like a paw to expose the lime green inner portion of the flowers. Plant in a sunny protected location in the garden or in a container (recommended) with very well-drained soil . Irrigate regularly (drip is best to avoid wetting foliage) and fertilize lightly in spring but avoid using fertilizers with (P) phosphorus. Hardy to about 25-30 ° F, but best if protected from frost as to not damage the foliage. Fans only flower once and need to be cleaned out after the flowering period so remove the old leaves down to as low as possible at the end of a season. Macropidia is a monotypic genus from Western Australia. It is very prone to ink spot disease, which also devastates some Anigozanthos species, so it is difficult to maintain for long in the garden. Its unusual flower color makes it worthwhile for as long as one can have it. Attracts hummingbirds to the garden. We thank Jo O'Connell for getting us our plants from an Australian tissue culture lab.
This description of this plant is based on our research and our observations of it growing at the nursery, in our own garden and in other gardens. We always appreciate receiving feedback of any kind from those who have any additional information about this plant, particularly if they disagree with what we have written or have additional cultural tips that would aid others growing Macropidia fuliginosa .
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