Anigozanthos flavidus Bush Inferno

Anigozanthos 'Bush Inferno' is an original Australian perennial better known as 'Kangaroo Paw' due to the structure of its inflorescences. 'Bush Inferno', which can be translated as 'Bush of Hell', is a recent selection with a compact but vigorous growth rate and abundant red flowering. Above its lush foliage, stems laden with red flowers emerge, creating a stunning display in the garden, in a pot on a patio, or even in a bouquet. Unfortunately, Anigozanthos is not very hardy, with outdoor cultivation being reserved for the mildest regions.

Anigozanthos flavidus belongs to the Haemodoraceae family. The genus Anigozanthos is endemic to southwestern Western Australia and comprises 11 species, including flavidus (with yellow flowers), which is the most adaptable, robust, and cold-resistant, withstanding temperatures down to -5°C (23°F) for a short period. It is not demanding in terms of exposure and soil, although it prefers sun and well-drained soil, preferably sandy and humiferous. Its resistance to summer drought is commendable, but lack of water will dry up its flowering. It is an herbaceous perennial plant with a rhizome, which retains its growth throughout the year, even in winter. Its lifespan is relatively short, around 4 to 5 years: to ensure the longevity of the plant, division is necessary. 

'Bush Inferno' is more compact and brightly coloured than the wild species. It forms a dense tuft, with foliage reaching a height of 30cm (12in) and spreading through its rhizomes. Its leaves are sheathing and strongly imbricate at the base. They are narrow and upright, similar to those of an iris but with a slightly duller green colour. Flowering begins in spring, in May-June, and continues until late summer if the weather remains mild and the soil stays somewhat moist in July-August. In nature, the plant often undergoes a dormant period in summer. When sheltered, 'Bush Inferno' can flower almost year-round. The hairy and branched flower stems reach approximately 60cm (24in) in height. At their top, curious clusters of nectar-rich woolly flowers in the shape of bent tubes bloom, measuring 3 to 5cm (1 to 2in) long. Five red stamens protrude from the flowers. In Australia, they are pollinated by birds. Able to regenerate quickly after fire passes through its trailing rhizomes, Anigozanthos is one of the plants that rapidly recolonise burned lands.

Unique, exotic, and colourful, Anigozanthos 'Bush Inferno' is a highly decorative plant for a patio or balcony, suitable for overwintering in most of our regions. It is not difficult to cultivate and blooms for a long time with a little water and fertiliser. Coastal gardeners can plant it in a rockery or in a slightly raised bed where it will create a great effect, planted among low bushes or perennials that thrive in the same conditions. In this use, it can be planted with, for example, Beschorneria yuccoides, Hesperaloe parviflora, or phormiums. It forms an unexpected combination with Cosmos atrosanguineus, a shrubby artemisia, and Perovskia. In Australia, it is often planted in large borders, against walls, or along pathways. It could be paired with compact agapanthus and Walker's Low catmints, for example.