Anigozanthos manglesii aka Mangles's Kangaroo Paw

Anigozanthos manglesii is an evergreen perennial from Western Australia. It belongs to the Haemodoraceae family. Common names include red-and-green kangaroo paw and kangaroo's foot plant. Narrow leaves form a tuft at the plant's base. The foliage stays green through the year. Upright flower stems rise above this low clump of leaves. Red hairs cover the stems, adding to the colour display. This plant suits a sheltered site rather than an exposed border.

The RHS gives a garden height of 3.3–4.9 feet [1–1.5 metres]. Its spread is much smaller, at 0.3–1.6 feet [0.1–0.5 metres]. The flower stems reach about 3.9 feet [1.2 metres]. Plants take two to five years to reach mature size. Flowers grow in racemes along the upright stems. Each tubular flower has two lips. Their colour ranges from greenish-yellow to dark green. Individual flowers reach about 0.26 feet [0.08 metres] long. Green flowers contrast with the red hairs on the stems.

Give this plant full sun and shelter from harsh exposure. The RHS recommends a site that faces south. Outdoors, use humus-rich sandy soil that holds moisture but drains well. The profile also lists loam as a suitable soil. It accepts both acid and alkaline conditions. Drainage matters even where the soil stays moist. Choose a frost-free site for planting in the ground. Its UK hardiness rating is H2. This means it tolerates cool conditions but cannot survive freezing. Autumn mulch of straw or chipped bark helps protect the crown over winter.

A greenhouse or conservatory offers another way to grow it. For plants under glass, the RHS gives a specific compost mix. Use three parts peat substitute or leaf mould. Add one part loam and one part sharp sand. The plant suits borders beside walls and provides cut flowers. Its upright stems give height above the narrow leaf tuft. The RHS includes it among plants for low-maintenance settings. It needs no routine pruning. Raise new plants from seed or divide an existing clump. The RHS reports few usual pest or disease problems. Even so, its need for frost protection limits outdoor use in cold gardens.