Kangaroo Paw collaboration an Australian-first
It's Kings Park and Botanic Gardens' first collaboration with a sporting organisation - and an Australian-first. Teaming up with Perth Scorchers, a bright-orange Kangaroo Paw has been released just in time for the cricket season.
Aptly named 'Scorchers Flame', Anigozanthos rufus is the Perth Scorcher's signature orange colour, and has been bred by the Kings Park Plant Development program for its eye-catching display and resilience. The hybrid thrives in full sun, making it a perfect addition to gardens and landscapes for the spring – and summer of cricket.
With the plants now in flower, Perth Scorchers wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis and bowler Piepa Cleary pulled on the gardening gloves in Kings Park to launch the plant under the watchful eye of Senior Plant Breeder Digby Growns.
“Kings Park is the only botanic garden in the world to breed native plants for home gardens as part of our ex-situ conservation strategy", Digby said.
“This hybrid Anigozanthos not only looks great, it’s also popular with pollinators and has been bred for its resilience in Western Australian climates, soils and landscapes – key focuses for all our plant development releases. We’ve enjoyed working with the Perth Scorchers on releasing this Kangaroo Paw, building on the 50 plus plant varieties that have been developed for the market by Kings Park.”
Justin Michael, WA Cricket Interim CEO added, “Scorchers Flame is set to become a badge of honour for green-thumbed members of the Orange Army."
“We’re honoured to be the first Australian sporting organisation to adopt a plant as a symbol of the fiery passion of our incredible Perth Scorchers players, Members and fans. It’s been fantastic to work with Kings Park and Botanic Garden, and Benara Nurseries on this exciting initiative as we bring shades of The Furnace to gardens across the state.”
Hardy and resilient, just like Perth’s favourite Big Bash players, ‘Scorchers Flame’ is now available at all good garden centres and Bunnings stores.
Part proceeds will go to the WA Cricket Foundation, and Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority’s Plant Development program and the ex-situ conservation of Western Australian Flora.
'Scorchers Flame' is now on display in the Kings Park Floral Mound outside of Aspects of Kings Park.
