1 named cultivar

‘Harmony’Harmony Kangaroo Paw

perennial

Red and Green Kangaroo Paw

The Story

Plant Bio

Anigozanthos manglesii, the red and green kangaroo paw, is a clump-forming rhizomatous perennial featuring upright, strap-like grey-green leaves. The striking, velvety flowers emerge on tall, vertical spikes, displaying a vivid red base and woolly stem that transitions into brilliant green lobes.

This species is highly prized for its unique, bird-attracting floral structure and serves as an exceptional container specimen or cut flower. It is short-lived in garden cultivation outside its native habitat, often performing best when treated as a biennial.

Uses & Benefits:

Highly valued for its architectural, velvety red and green flowers that make long-lasting cut specimens.

Excellent choice for container cultivation, allowing gardeners in cold or wet climates to control drainage and winter exposure.

Provides a rich nectar source that heavily attracts hummingbirds in North American gardens.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

40"

Width

24"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low to Moderate

Humidity

Low

Lifespan

Short-lived Perennial

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic (hairs may irritate skin)

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site with full sun and exceptionally well-drained sandy or gravelly soil.
Install the plant with the crown level with the soil surface to prevent rhizome rot.
Water regularly during the active spring growing and flowering period, allowing the soil to dry between waterings.
Apply a low-phosphorus, slow-release fertilizer sparingly in early spring.

Pro Tip

Treat this species as a short-lived perennial or biennial, and avoid summer overhead watering in humid climates to prevent fatal ink spot disease.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune spent flower stems hard to ground level immediately after flowering finishes.
Ensure flawless drainage by planting in raised beds or containers if native soil contains clay.
Provide maximum air circulation to minimize humidity buildup around the foliage.

Don't

Do not overwater during hot, humid summer months when the plant is semi-dormant.
Do not apply standard high-phosphorus fertilizers, which cause leaf tip burn.
Do not disturb the underground rhizomes unnecessarily during routine maintenance.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Prune
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Container PlantingCut Flower GardenRock GardenMediterranean GardenBorder Front

Companion Plants

Salvia apiana Eschscholzia californica Arctostaphylos Ceanothus Festuca glauca

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Red and Green Kangaroo Paw questions

What zones can Red and Green Kangaroo Paw grow in?

Red and Green Kangaroo Paw is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Red and Green Kangaroo Paw deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Red and Green Kangaroo Paw, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Red and Green Kangaroo Paw bloom?

Red and Green Kangaroo Paw typically blooms in spring through summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Red and Green Kangaroo Paw need full sun?

Red and Green Kangaroo Paw does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Red and Green Kangaroo Paw drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Red and Green Kangaroo Paw handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.