|
|
[2nd Image]
|
 |
|
|
| 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 |
|
|
|
|
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 inflorescences 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.
The information displayed on this page about Macropidia fuliginosa is based on our research conducted about this plant from books in our nursery library as well as from information that is provided by reliable online resources. We also have included our own observations made about it as it grew in the nursery gardens and other gardens visited, as well how the crops of this plant performed in the containers when we had them in our nursery field. We also include comments received from others and welcome hearing from anyone who has information about this plant, particularly if it includes cultural information aiding others to better grow it.
|
| |
| |
|
|
|
