perennial

Red Kangaroo Paw

The Story

Plant Bio

Anigozanthos rufus, commonly known as the red kangaroo paw, is an evergreen, clump-forming perennial native to the seasonally wet, sandy heathlands of south-west Western Australia. The plant produces a basal rosette of tough, strap-like, grey-green leaves with rough margins, spreading slowly via short underground rhizomes.

This species is distinguished by its deep red to maroon tubular flowers, which are covered in dense, velvety hairs that mimic the texture of a kangaroo's paw. The branching inflorescences are held aloft on sturdy, downy reddish stems up to one metre tall from spring into early summer.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides striking architectural form with velvety, deep red flower spikes that make excellent, long-lasting cut flowers.

Highly suited to low-water, sandy coastal gardens where many other ornamental perennials struggle.

Attracts and feeds native nectar-eating birds, such as honeyeaters, which act as primary pollinators.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

40 inches

Width

24 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low to Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Western Australia

Toxicity

Skin Irritant

Bloom period

Spring – Summer

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with excellent, free-draining sandy or light loamy soil.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and plant at the same depth as the nursery pot, avoiding burying the crown.
Water deeply at the base during the initial establishment phase, keeping moisture off the foliage to prevent fungal issues.
Apply a low-phosphorus, slow-release native fertiliser in early spring and again in winter to support flowering.

Pro Tip

Cut the entire plant back hard to five centimetres above the ground immediately after flowering to stimulate clean new foliage and prevent the onset of ink spot disease.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune the foliage and spent flower stems hard to the ground annually after flowering finishes.
Ensure the soil drains rapidly to protect the rhizomes from root rot.
Space plants generously to maximise air circulation around the basal fans.

Don't

Do not use standard high-phosphorus fertilisers, as this species is sensitive to phosphorus toxicity.
Do not water overhead late in the day, which leaves foliage damp and invites fungal pathogens.
Do not plant in heavy clay or low-lying areas prone to prolonged waterlogging.

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

Mass planting in native or Mediterranean-style gardensArchitectural container specimen for sunny patiosCut flower production bedsCoastal gardens with sandy, free-draining soils

Companion Plants

Banksia species Adenanthos sericeus Chamelaucium uncinatumConostylis candicans

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Red Kangaroo Paw questions

What zones can Red Kangaroo Paw grow in?

Red 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 Kangaroo Paw bloom?

Red 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 Kangaroo Paw need full sun?

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

Is Red Kangaroo Paw drought tolerant?

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