Eden Project Unveils UK-First: Stunning Kangaroo Paw Plants Now on Display

The Eden Project in Cornwall has introduced five new cultivars of Kangaroo paw (Anigozanthos) to its Western Australia exhibit, marking the first time these plants have been displayed publicly in the UK.

Housed in the Mediterranean Biome, the latest additions bring an explosion of colour and diversity to the already impressive collection, featuring unique and highly sought-after flower shades.

A Splash of Colour in the Mediterranean Biome

Among the standout varieties are Masquerade, boasting iridescent teal-blue flowers, and Carnivale, which stuns with a vibrant mix of purple and pink blooms. Other new cultivars include:

• Aussie Spirit – a striking green-yellow combination
• Bush Crystal – dazzling crimson pink flowers
• Bush Zest – bright yellow blossoms

The arrival of these plants expands Eden’s Western Australia display to more than twenty different Kangaroo paw cultivars, showcasing a spectrum of colours and sizes.

From Western Australia to Cornwall

The new plants were grown at the Eden Project’s advanced Growing Point nursery after arriving from Australia as micro-propagules—tiny fragments of plant tissue cultivated in a laboratory. They were bred at the Western Australian Botanic Garden in Kings Park, Perth, where breeding efforts have produced numerous new Kangaroo paw varieties since 2007.

The Eden Project has collaborated with the Kings Park team for the past eight years to develop and manage the Western Australia exhibit, which highlights the region’s biodiversity, the resilience of its flora, and traditional uses of these plants by Indigenous peoples.

Bring the Kangaroo Paw Home

Visitors now have the opportunity not only to admire these plants in the exhibit but also to purchase them in the Eden Project’s shop. Sales support conservation work for Western Australian plants at Kings Park and contribute to the environmental efforts of the Eden Project.

Catherine Cutler, the Eden Project’s head of horticulture, said:

“We know our visitors love our displays of Kangaroo paws for the uniqueness and beauty of their flowers. We are thrilled to unveil these new additions to the collection, giving our visitors the opportunity to see these wonderful cultivars for the first time in the UK.

“These amazing plants deliver incredible colours in the Mediterranean Biome at this time of the year, providing a genuine wow moment for our visitors and help us tell the story of how important biodiversity is in Western Australia.”

Named for its distinctive paw-like flower head, the Kangaroo paw is an iconic plant in Western Australia, with the red and green species (Anigozanthos manglesii) serving as the official floral emblem of the state. The plant is a vital part of the ecosystem, producing large amounts of nectar that attract birds and insects, while also being popular as a cut flower and potted plant.

For more details on what’s on at the Eden Project, visit www.edenproject.com.