Common name: Red Kangaroo Paw ‘Kings Park Federation Flame’

Family: HAEMODORACEAE

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Origin of Scientific Name

Anigozanthos – (Greek) anises – unequal or oblique, and anthos – flower; referring to the division of the floral extremities into six unequal parts.

rufus – (Latin) red, reddish brown.

Distribution

Anigozanthos rufus ‘Kings Park Federation Flame’ is a striking, orange colour form of the red kangaroo paw specially selected by the Kings Park Plant Breeding team for landscape planting in celebration of the Centenary of Federation of Australia in 2001. After nearly three decades of trials, testing and selection it was released for sale in Australia in 2009/2010 and internationally in 2011.

This kangaroo paw is a strappy-leaved plant like its relatives and produces an abundance of flowers from late spring to early summer. Mass planted with other kangaroo paws they make an excellent display and will attract honeyeaters.

You can learn more about the development of Kings Park Federation Flame on the Australian National Botanic Gardens website.

Horticultural tips

• All Kangaroo Paws can be grown from seed, but may require pre-treatments such as heat shock (100°C for 60 minutes) or smoke.
• Grows well in most soils, but prefers sand.
• Requires a well-drained site and prefers a sunny position.
• Ensure it has moisture during extended dry periods.
• When flowering has finished, cut the flower stalks off at the base but do not cut the foliage.

For more horticultural tips view our Plant Notes section.

View in Kings Park

Visit Kings Park to see the most striking display of 'Kings Park Federation Flame' in the Wadjuk roundabout (refer to map).

Want more information?

Refer to the profile for this plant on the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions' FloraBase online herbarium.