Species

4 other cultivars

perennial

Kangaroo Paw

Anigozanthos hybrid 'Ruby Velvet'

The Story

Plant Bio

Anigozanthos is a genus of evergreen, clumping perennials native to Western Australia, characterized by fans of strappy foliage and upright, branching stems topped with fuzzy, tubular flowers. These plants rely on specialized bird pollinators in their native habitat and require exceptionally well-drained, low-phosphorus soils to prevent root rot.

'Ruby Velvet' is a compact, clumping hybrid that produces deep ruby-red flowers on stems reaching up to 32 inches tall above a 16-inch fan of clean, dark green foliage. This cultivar is bred for improved disease resistance and a more compact growth habit, making it highly suitable for container cultivation and smaller garden spaces.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces striking, velvety ruby-red flowers on tall, branched stems that contrast sharply with dark green, strappy foliage.

Highly drought-tolerant once established and performs exceptionally well in coastal conditions and low-water landscapes.

The tubular flowers provide a rich nectar source for hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies throughout the spring and summer.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

32"

Width

16"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

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 highly drained soil.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball but no deeper, ensuring the crown sits slightly above the surrounding soil level to prevent rot.
Backfill with native soil, avoiding the addition of rich organic matter or heavy compost around the crown.
Water deeply to settle the soil, then apply a coarse, chunky hardwood mulch, keeping it several inches away from the base of the plant.

Pro Tip

Individual fans of a kangaroo paw flower only once; thin spent fans entirely down to the rhizome post-flowering to prevent fungal harbor and stimulate a secondary flush of clean growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Use low-phosphorus, slow-release fertilizers formulated specifically for native plants.
Water at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry and prevent fungal diseases.
Cut the entire clump back to two inches above the ground in late winter to rejuvenate the plant.

Don't

Do not use standard garden fertilizers containing high levels of phosphorus.
Do not over-mulch with fine organic materials that retain moisture around the crown.
Do not shear or half-cut individual leaf straps, which results in unsightly brown tips.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Accent PlantContainer GardeningCoastal GardensCut Flower BordersMediterranean Gardens

Companion Plants

Salvia Agave Westringia

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Kangaroo Paw questions

What zones can Kangaroo Paw grow in?

Kangaroo Paw is hardy in USDA Zones 7–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Kangaroo Paw deer resistant?

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

When does Kangaroo Paw bloom?

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 Kangaroo Paw need full sun?

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

Is Kangaroo Paw drought tolerant?

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