Species

4 other cultivars

perennial

Amber Velvet Kangaroo Paw

Anigozanthos hybrid 'Amber Velvet'

The Story

Plant Bio

Anigozanthos, commonly known as kangaroo paw, is a genus of evergreen Australian perennials characterized by fans of strap-like, sword-shaped leaves. The plants produce striking, tubular flowers covered in dense, velvet-like hairs that resemble the paws of a kangaroo.

'Amber Velvet' is a robust hybrid cultivar distinguished by its vibrant golden-orange and red flowers borne on tall, branched stems. This selection features clean, dark green foliage with excellent resistance to common leaf diseases and a compact, clump-forming habit.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces striking, velvet-textured orange-red flowers on tall stems that stand out against dark green, strappy foliage.

Highly tolerant of coastal winds, salt spray, and drought once established, making it ideal for low-water landscapes.

Provides a rich source of nectar for hummingbirds and native bees during the spring and summer blooming period.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

48"

Width

24"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low to Medium

Humidity

Low to Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Skin Irritant

Bloom period

Spring – Summer

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with sandy, loamy, or exceptionally well-drained soil.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and plant so the crown sits level with the surrounding soil.
Water in thoroughly to settle the soil, then apply a coarse, chunky mulch, keeping it clear of the plant's base.
Water weekly during the first summer to establish, then reduce watering to occasional deep soaking.

Pro Tip

Pruning spent flowering stems hard to the ground stimulates new basal shoots, but cutting into the old, leafless wood below the fans will kill the crown.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in a location with excellent air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.
Use a low-phosphorus fertilizer formulated for native plants.
Prune spent flower stems and dead leaves hard to the ground after blooming.

Don't

Do not overwater or allow the soil to remain waterlogged.
Do not prune into the old, leafless wood below the basal fans.
Do not use standard high-phosphorus fertilizers.

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

BordersContainersCoastal gardensMass plantings

Companion Plants

Salvia Agave Festuca glauca

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Amber Velvet Kangaroo Paw questions

What zones can Amber Velvet Kangaroo Paw grow in?

Amber Velvet 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 Amber Velvet Kangaroo Paw deer resistant?

Yes — Amber Velvet Kangaroo Paw is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Amber Velvet Kangaroo Paw bloom?

Amber Velvet 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 Amber Velvet Kangaroo Paw need full sun?

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

Is Amber Velvet Kangaroo Paw drought tolerant?

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