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 rhizomatous perennial herb endemic to the open eucalypt woodlands and sandy understoreys of south-west Western Australia. The plant forms a clumping habit of strap-like, grey-green leaves arising from underground horizontal or vertical rhizomes.

This species is distinguished by its striking, bilaterally symmetric flowers featuring brilliant forest-green perianth lobes that contrast sharply with a deep velvety-red base. The tubular flowers are covered in dense hairs and are held aloft on tall, erect, red woolly stems.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces striking red and green flowers on tall stems, making it a highly prized cut flower and structural garden feature.

Provides a drought-tolerant clumping option for sandy soils where other perennials struggle to survive.

Attracts nectar-feeding Australian native birds, such as honeyeaters and wattlebirds, as well as native insects.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

43 inches

Width

24 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low

Lifespan

Short-lived perennial (2-3 years)

Native To

South-west of Western Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic (hairs may cause mild skin irritation)

Planting

How to Grow

Plant in a full-sun position with sharp, exemplary drainage, using sandy soil or a sandy loam with a slightly acidic to neutral pH.
Space plants to allow maximum air circulation around the foliage, which helps prevent fungal leaf pathogens.
Water moderately during dry spells while establishing, then rely on the plant's natural drought tolerance, avoiding overhead watering.
Apply a low-phosphorus, slow-release native fertiliser once a year in spring to support clean growth without causing nutrient toxicity.

Pro Tip

Treat this species as a short-lived perennial that peaks for two to three years; provide exemplary drainage in sandy soil and cut spent flower stems right to the ground to prevent ink-spot disease.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

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.

Don't

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.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Native gardensRockeriesContainer plantingMassed feature bedsCut flower gardens

Companion Plants

Eucalyptus species

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.

When does Red and Green Kangaroo Paw bloom?

Red and Green Kangaroo Paw typically blooms in winter through late spring. 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.