I've always liked these but I'd never even consider trying to grow one. They grow naturally in South Australia and also in Western Australia and the Northern Territory. I've found them (in habitat) growing within about 100 kms inland from Port Hedland. In that climate they get a lot of rain throughout summer and a very dry winter. Plants in South Australia would be the opposite, dry summer and wetter winter. Always made me wonder whether plants that originate in different climates have different requirements, or whether any of them will cope anywhere within the range of the species. One of them from near Port Hedland.

By the way, mine are seed grown and haven't yet put on stems below the leaves. Both have multiplied their heads and are not quite as attractive as when they had single stems - what they really need is a good fire through them. Alternatively cutting way back, but I reckon fire is better, it's more natural for them. Also, a purchased 'bush' collected specimen (anything up to $200 plus) by a licensed collector, can take up to 2 years to die: they can be transplanted but care needs to be taken to disturb the roots as little as possible. B.

wow.. what an amazing colors on your macropedia fuliginosa to bad it only lasted one year (i am definitely trying that kind next year allthough the seeds are not so easy to find i discovered). Ok so the black spots are not good but if it doesnt affect flowering that much i shouldnt worry to much about it. Do you know if the stalks with the flowers on the Kangaroo Paws should also develope in the first year, mine only show the grassy leaves but no stalks yet? Also thanks for the tip on the grevilleas they are beautifull, i will try a few species next year in spring. Sadly i do not have a garden but i have a balcony which is packed to the rafters (i think thats the expression used in Australia :D )with plants and i converted one window in my house into a sort of greenhouse so everything is in pots. I do have the option to plant them out in my mums garden but since our winters are pretty cold most will have to go back inside when it strats freezing. But i am also interested in bonsai so next year a few of the different trees i have will go in the ground to make the nebari grow a bit more. Here are a few pics off the limited space i have...

20 minutes once a week, probably ok but might depend on the type of soil you have in the planter boxes. My guide would be to test each morning how quickly the site dries out - by pushing finger into soil should give a good indication - if it's bone dry after 4 days or 5 days then you might consider adjusting. Some of those natives you've mention, however, do require more space than you've indicated: banksias, grevilleas, lilly-pillies, depending on the variety, for example.