Also known as Kangaroo Paw · 39 saves
Anigozanthos
Anigozanthos, the genus most gardeners know as kangaroo paw. We track 16 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 16 most-saved Anigozanthos varieties
5 species of Anigozanthos
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Anigozanthos in Sow
Save the Anigozanthos you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Anigozanthos
Whats common across all Anigozanthos varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 16 most-grown of them.
The Anigozanthos year
- PruneSeptember and October100% of varieties
Cut spent flower stems and damaged foliage right down to ground level after flowering finishes.
- FertilizeMarch and April100% of varieties
Apply a low-phosphorus slow-release native plant fertiliser to support healthy growth.
- Check for PestsMay and June94% of varieties
Inspect foliage for dark ink-spot lesions and check for snails chewing tender new shoots.
- DivideMarch81% of varieties
Carefully divide underground rhizomes during the cooler months to propagate new plants.
Do
- Cut spent flower stems and damaged foliage right down to ground level immediately after flowering finishes.
- Ensure the soil drains rapidly to prevent root rot and rhizome decay.
- Water at the soil level to keep the foliage dry and reduce fungal risks.
- Prune the entire leaf fan to ground level once it has finished flowering.
- Grow in a position that receives full sun to maximise flower count and stem colour intensity.
Avoid
- Do not prune into old, leafless wood above the ground level.
- Do not plant in heavy clay or waterlogged soils.
- Do not use standard high-phosphorus fertilisers.
- Do not water overhead, as wet foliage encourages ink spot disease.
What goes wrong with Anigozanthos
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Snails and slugs | Chewed foliage margins and ragged holes in tender new shoots. | Apply organic snail bait or establish physical barriers around the base of the plant. |
| Snails and Slugs | Chewed, ragged leaf edges and damage to tender emerging spring shoots and flower buds. | Apply eco-friendly snail and slug pellets or establish physical barriers around the base of the plant. |
| Aphids | Insects clustered on soft new flower spikes, causing distortion of the buds. | Spray the affected areas with eco-oil or knock them off with a sharp jet of water. |
| Possums and cockatoos | Chewed or snapped flower stems and missing flower buds. | Install physical barriers or wire cages around developing flower spikes if wildlife pressure is high. |
| Ink spot disease | Large, dark purple to black irregular blotches on leaves and stems, leading to yellowing and leaf collapse. | Improve air circulation, avoid overhead watering, remove and bag infected leaves, and apply a copper-based fungicide. |
| Ink Spot Disease | Black spots appearing on leaf tips and margins that spread downward, turning foliage completely black and causing dieback. | Improve air circulation, avoid overhead watering, remove severely affected leaves, and prune back hard to the ground after flowering. |
| Rust | Pustules or discoloured patches on leaves and stems. | Prune out infected material and maintain good plant spacing to improve air circulation. |
Making more Anigozanthos
Division
- Lift mature, congested clumps during the summer months using a sharp spade.
- Slice through the underground rhizomes, ensuring each divided fan has a healthy portion of roots.
- Trim the foliage of the divisions back by half to reduce transplant stress and water loss.
- Replant immediately into free-draining soil or pots, watering in thoroughly to settle the roots.
Seed
- Sow seeds in a well-drained, sandy seed-raising mix during autumn.
- Ensure the seeds receive light, as it is required for germination.
- Keep the medium lightly moist but not waterlogged.
- Pot up seedlings once they are large enough to handle safely.
Anigozanthos questions
How many types of Anigozanthos are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 16 distinct Anigozanthos varieties. The most popular — ranked by 39 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Anigozanthos grow in?
Across its varieties, Anigozanthos covers USDA Zones 9–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Anigozanthos bloom?
Most Anigozanthos varieties bloom in late spring, spring, winter. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Anigozanthos should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.