These flowers are indigenous to Western Australia and are its floral emblem, but cultivars are now in gardens all over Australia. The flowers are long lasting when cut and grow on long stems. They come in sage greens, dull yellows, green and red. The buds are long and curved, often opening to reveal an entirely different colour within.

A wonderful feature of the kangaroo paw is that is covered in fine hairs which gives it a velvety or suede like appearance. The hairs are sometimes in a different colour from the underlying flower, such as a pale green flower covered in red hair, adding to its luminous quality.

Use this beautiful and different flower as an inspiration for a wedding colour scheme and feature it in large bunches in rustic tubs or pristine glassware. Strappy grey green, sage and red leaves need be the only other adornment.

Photo from Australian National Botanic Gardens