California Gardening: Is this normal for a kangaroo paw?, 3 by ocgardener55

ocgardener55 wrote:
Hi. I am new to this discussion group. Most groups prefer that we search for existing threads before asking the same question again. I know that this thread is several years old, so I do not know if members respond to older threads? Or if this thread is \"closed\".
My question pertains to Kangaroo Paws. I live in Orange County, CA. (Reg: 10a, 10b). I have two larger RED Kangaroo paws (blooms get to 24\"-30\" and higher). And, i have about 6 smaller (maybe \"Kanga Pink\"), foliage about 12\"-15\" and blooms about 16\"-20\" inches.

We tried both varieties two years ago, and all died. I planted near the hot of summer, and was told that they are \"drought tolerant\". I naively assumed that meant little water. With the heat (mid 80s, and up to over 100 some days), they did not survive. Possibly with more water. Maybe it was just the wrong time to plant.

Last fall, I planted some new ones (tall and short). I watered heavily, and they seemed to like it. They made it through Winter. They bloomed nicely in Spring.

Now that Summer is here: The taller red plants are still doing OK - there are still numerous plump Red blooms.

The shorter pink plants are not acting the same. The Pink bloom is gone, and it is just GREY now.

This thread seems to indicate that when the bright blooms are gone, then we should prune them down to near the ground.

If you could look at the photos (both the larger red one, and the smaller pink ones - which are now grey), do you concur that I should cut them down? Or maybe MORE WATER might bring new blooms?

Lastly, Why are the Pink ones gone, but the larger Red ones are still doing nicely? Or the two varieties that different from each other?