Species

2 other cultivars

perennial

Ruby Velvet Kangaroo Paw

Anigozanthos hybrid 'Ruby Velvet'

The Story

Plant Bio

Anigozanthos is a genus of evergreen Western Australian perennials characterised by clumping, strap-like foliage and unusual, bird-attracting flowers. The tubular blooms are covered in dense, velvety hairs that give them the distinctive appearance of a kangaroo's paw.

'Ruby Velvet' is a compact hybrid selection distinguished by its abundant, deep crimson-red flowers held on strong, upright stems. It offers improved disease resistance and a more reliable garden lifespan than older, delicate kangaroo paw cultivars.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces striking, velvety red flower spikes that make excellent long-lasting cut flowers.

Offers drought tolerance and a compact habit suitable for low-maintenance structural borders.

Provides high-quality nectar that attracts native Australian honeyeaters and insect pollinators.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

31 inches

Width

12 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic (hairs may irritate skin)

Bloom period

Spring – Autumn

In flower about 7 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select an open, north-facing position in full sun with exceptionally well-drained soil.
Dig a hole twice the width of the pot, ensuring the plant's crown sits slightly above the surrounding soil level to prevent rot.
Backfill with native-appropriate soil mix and water in thoroughly to settle the roots.
Apply a layer of chunky, fine-free wood-chip mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the immediate foliage.

Pro Tip

Plant the rhizome high so the crown sits slightly above the soil line, and mulch with coarse wood chips rather than fine organic matter to prevent collar rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water deeply during active spring growth, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Prune spent flower stems hard to the ground to encourage fresh foliage.
Apply a low-phosphorus native fertiliser in early spring.

Don't

Do not bury the crown of the plant below the soil line.
Do not use standard high-phosphorus garden fertilisers.
Do not water overhead late in the day, as wet foliage encourages ink spot disease.

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

Mass PlantingBorder EdgingContainer PlantingCut Flower Garden

Companion Plants

Lomandra longifolia Dianella caerulea Westringia fruticosa

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Ruby Velvet Kangaroo Paw questions

What zones can Ruby Velvet Kangaroo Paw grow in?

Ruby 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.

When does Ruby Velvet Kangaroo Paw bloom?

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

Does Ruby Velvet Kangaroo Paw need full sun?

Ruby Velvet Kangaroo Paw does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Ruby Velvet Kangaroo Paw drought tolerant?

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