How to prune kangaroo paws

Josh is tidying up some tall kangaroo paws (Anigozanthos flavidus cv.) that have finished pruning and need the flower spikes trimming back.

However, there are a couple of safety precautions to consider because the tiny hairs around the flowers become dry and brittle and can cause irritation to some people’s skin, eyes or respiratory system. It’s best to cover your arms, wear gloves, safety goggles and even a face mask to avoid being affected.

Then take a sharp pair of secateurs and trim the long flower spikes off as low as you can at the base of the stem. Also pull out any dead or diseased leaves, but don’t put any blackened leaves in the compost or you may spread the spores of the inkspot fungus that causes this.

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