Question concerning my Kangaroo Paws plant

Ok, I've got a Question concerning my Kangaroo Paws plant that some of you fellow Texanz may can help with? . . . it's not do'n so well, could it just be the Texas heat? I had one earlier this year and it lost all of it's flowers when it started getting hot here and then shortly after that it finally bit the big one.

I'd been looking for a replacement and about given up when I saw a few at the Lowe's the other day. None had very bright color in the flowers but the leaves looked ok, so I selected the best one and brought it home and put it in an area that gets mostly afternoon sun - since I heard they are from the desert area and like lots of sun and not a lot of water.

One of the flowering ends had smaller flowers for a day or two then they kind of went away. I decided to go ahead and get it in the ground last weekend. I watered it in and added a bit of root stimulator when I transplanted it into it's sandy bottom new home. It's not losing color in it's leaves but the freshest flower is fading like the rest on the plant. Is this normal for these guys this time of year or what?

I thought the original plant I had was great looking, full of bright red blooms and lush green leaves. However, it didn't take long and they all faded away. If anyone has experience with these guys, any help would be appreciated.

Thanks
GD

Here's some links:
http://davesgarden.com/pf/go/64172/index.html

http://davesgarden.com/pf/go/94710/index.html

http://davesgarden.com/pf/go/126881/index.html

Hope one of them helps.
Debbie

Mine rotted quickly, I had put it in the ground. Maybe they would do best in a pot, where they could drain and dry out fast. I don't think I'll try another, though they are pretty. Remember to keep your receipt and take it back if it croaks:)

Thanks for the info . . . I went ahead and trimmed the 'spent' flowers off and the leaves still look healthy and green, so we'll see what happens.

:) GD

I actually saw several of those at Walmart of all places, in early spring and they look really nice. I just didn't know enough about the plant- had heard of it and seen pictures only- when I went back several weeks later they were gone. I was sorry I hadn't got one when I had the chance but then was worried that they wouldn't do well in our area- is Australia like a sauna?

lol @ sauna . . . well I doubt that ANYWHERE is as sauna like as the Houston area (wink)

I'm with ya there April . . . they're a pretty cool looking plant - when in full bloom - the problem I had with the first one I had was it lost it's blooms soon after I got it home - much like the latest one I got. (shock?) I read that overwatering was a problem one guy had, so I made sure and moved it when I had the sprinkler on the area where I had it's pot. However, after reading more (since then) I discovered that they don't mind water when they're in bloom. It's when they are in the dormant stage that they don't like much. If I understood all I've read about them right ? lol