Trial evaluates kangaroo paws, poinsettias

For the first time, managers of the National Poinsettia Trial included a non-poinsettia plant. Anigozanthos ‘Kanga Red-Green’ from Bodger Botanicals was trialed in 2006.

The kangaroo paws plant “might provide something different to add to poinsettia sales,” said John Dole, horticulture professor at North Carolina State University. NCSU is part of the trial program along with Purdue University, the University of Florida-Gainesville, Homewood Nursery in Raleigh, N.C., and breeders, including Ecke Ranch, Fischer USA, Selecta First Class and Dummen.

The kangaroo paws were just starting to flower during the open house, but they received a lot of attention, Dole said.

Anigozanthos requires moist conditions during the growth and flowering stages, according to Bodger. When temperatures are low and light levels are diminished, the water requirement is reduced.

The Kanga series grows 3 feet tall. ‘Kanga Red-Green’ has fuzzy, bright red and green flowers.

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For more: Bodger Botanicals, (626) 442-6161; www.bodger.com. John Dole, North Carolina State University, (919) 515-3537; john_dole@ncsu.edu; www.poinsettiatrial.org.