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Plant Profiles / Kangaroo paw
Photos: Wikimedia Commons
Kangaroo paw
Anigozanthos hybrids · Kangaroo paw
An iconic Australian native with fuzzy, claw-shaped flowers in red, yellow, orange, pink and green on tall stems. A magnet for nectar-feeding birds.
Full sunLight
WeeklyWater
ModerateCare level
Care at a glance
Light
Full sun
ShadeFull sun
Six or more hours of direct sun.
Water
Weekly
DryWet
Water regularly in pots; drought tolerant in the ground once established.
Humidity
Low
LowHigh
Prefers dry air; humidity encourages ink disease.
Temperature
-3–40°C (27–104°F)
CoolWarm
Tolerates light frost; loves heat.
Growth
Moderate, clumping
SlowFast
Foliage 40–60 cm; flower stems to 1–2 m.
Soil
Sandy, well-drained
LeanRich
Free-draining native mix; avoid heavy clay.
Fertiliser
Light, spring
RarelyOften
A low-phosphorus native fertiliser in spring.
Pet safety
Non-toxic
SafeToxic
Considered non-toxic to cats and dogs.
About this plant
Kangaroo paws are native to south-west Western Australia. Modern hybrids are more compact and disease resistant, flowering for months from spring into summer. The fuzzy flowers last well in a vase.
Best spots
Sunny balconies, rooftops, native gardens and pots in full sun.
Plant facts
| Botanical name | Anigozanthos hybrids |
| Family | Haemodoraceae |
| Origin | Western Australia |
| Plant type | Evergreen perennial |
| Mature size | 40 cm–2 m in flower |
| Growth rate | Moderate |
| Foliage | Strap-like green leaves |
| Flowers | Fuzzy claw-shaped flowers |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic to pets |
| Propagation | Division |
Seasonal care calendar
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Flowering
Cut back
Fertilise
Divide
FloweringCut backFertiliseDivide
Based on Southern Hemisphere seasons.
Troubleshooting
| Black blotches on leaves | Ink disease, worse in humidity. Cut out affected leaves and improve airflow. |
| Rotting crown | Wet soil. |
| Few flowers | Not enough sun. |
| Snails on stems | Use pet-safe bait. |
| Untidy clump | Cut spent stems and old leaves to the base after flowering. |
Common questions
How do I prune kangaroo paw?
After flowering, cut spent stems and tatty leaves down to the base.
Can it grow in a pot?
Yes, compact hybrids are ideal for pots.
Does it attract birds?
Yes, especially honeyeaters.
How long does it flower?
Often 3–6 months.
