Anigozanthos Big Roo®

Crop Culture Report: Anigozanthos Big Roos®

Recommended Containers: 3 gallon to 15 gallon.

Consumer Uses: Exotic plant from the Australian Outback for use in the Landscape for the southwest region or for use in large containers as focal point.

Crop Planning from Cell Pack:
Pot Size Plants per Pot (pp) Finish Time (weeks)
3 to 15 gallon 1-3 pp Seasonal Late Spring-Summer

Temperature Requirements:
65 to 75° F (18 to 21° C)
60 to 65° F (15 to 18° C)
Production during very warm temperatures of above 90° F (32°C) is not an issue.

Media and pH Requirements: A well-drained soil is required. Water thoroughly and let soil dry between irrigations. Anigozanthos will require moist conditions during the growth and flowering stage in production (spring). When temperatures are cool and light levels are diminished, the water requirement is reduced so let the soil dry completely before the next irrigation. 5.5 – 6.5. pH above 6.5 may cause Iron (Fe) deficiencies.

Fertilizer Requirements: Fertilize with a low phosphorus fertilizer, e.g., slow release at planting, N:P:K in the ratio of 17 : 1.6 : 8.7. Plants may be top dressed in the autumn with a similar slow release fertilizer. Fertilizer may be provided through the irrigation system, again using a low phosphorus formulation. Iron deficiencies may become evident in soils with pH over 6.5.
Irrigation: Plants will continue to grow year round if constant soil moisture is maintained, ideally by the use of dripper irrigation. Water stress during flower development may result in distorted stems.

Pinching Requirements: None

Growth Regulators: None

Disease and Insect Pests: Rust and Alternaria: Spray with copper-based fungicide to prevent spotting on fans during high humidity.
Pythium: Drench with root rot preventative fungicide as labeled. Plant in well aerated soil, preferably using well-aged bark as an aggregate, allowing the soil to dry between irrigations.

Comments: Anigozanthus Big Roo is not recommended to be grown in areas with high summer rainfall or high humidity. The native environment of Anigozanthus is warm, with summer drought and dominant winter rain. Color intensity of flowers is at its best in full sun – colors are muted while under greenhouse cover. Advise landscapers to space plants on 3-foot centers. Plants can be pruned once per year by removing old flower stems and any discolored outside foliage. Take debris away from plants for disease control.