Chamelaucium and Anigozanthos Garden
This collection displays two well-known Western Australian genera, both unique but very complementary in this garden setting.
Anigozanthos, more commonly called kangaroo paw, is a clump forming, evergreen perennial. It is endemic to the southwest of Western Australia with 24 species and subspecies within the genus. With vibrant coloured blooms, a velvet-like texture on its flowers and stems and an upright growth habit, kangaroo paws are a great addition to gardens for their colour and structure.
Kangaroo paws have a number of variants and hybrids in naturally occurring populations and have also been used extensively in plant breeding, where hybridisation has been practiced for many years. This has resulted in many different colours and forms and increased hardiness. Keep an eye out in the garden for our stunning Kings Park-bred hybrid ‘Masquerade’ with its beautiful blue flowers.
In August to October the Western Australian State floral emblem - the red and green kangaroo paw - brings an incredible burst of colour showing, why it continues to be a spring favourite.
Kangaroo paws are highly attractive to nectar-feeding birds and are therefore a great way to bring birds into the home garden. Look out for wattlebirds and honeyeaters enjoying the nectar from our Anigozanthos collection.
Chamelaucium, commonly known as waxflower, is a genus of woody, evergreen shrubs endemic to the southwest of Western Australia. As part of the Myrtle family Myrtaceae, the leaves of Chamelaucium species contain oil glands and are aromatic, giving off a pleasant scent when crushed. Flowers are small with five petals, which have a waxy feel, giving rise to the common name 'waxflower'.
Perhaps the most well known species is Chamelaucium uncinatum, the Geraldton Wax, which is grown widely in cultivation as a hardy, long flowering, drought tolerant garden plant. It is also widely used by florists as a cut flower in bud and flower for its long lasting displays.
Our collection contains many different species and forms of Chamelaucium as well as a number of hybrids, many of which have been bred by the Kings Park Plant Development team. This program develops different forms, longer or later flowering times, and varying flower colours in shades of white, pink and purple.
Visit from August to November to experience the most floriferous display. Take some time to sit on the lawn nearby or wander the pathways amongst the collection for some home garden inspiration.
