Garden hybrid

This is a garden hybrid, bred from more than one wild species, so it has no single species page of its own.

5 other cultivars

perennial

Dwarf Kangaroo Paw

Anigozanthos x hybrida 'Bush Ranger'

The Story

Plant Bio

Anigozanthos is a genus of evergreen Australian perennials characterized by clumping, fan-like foliage and unusual, fuzzy tubular flowers that resemble animal paws. These rhizomatous plants thrive in sandy, sharply drained soils and require high light levels to sustain their distinctive, nectar-rich blooms.

'Bush Ranger' is a compact, dwarf cultivar that produces branched clusters of velvety, bright red flowers with contrasting green interiors on stems rising just above the foliage. This hybrid exhibits improved disease resistance and a more manageable, low-growing habit than wild species, making it highly suitable for containers.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces striking, velvety red, paw-shaped flowers on branched stems above neat, sword-like foliage fans.

Highly salt-tolerant and wind-resistant, making it excellent for exposed coastal gardens and container culture.

Provides a rich source of nectar for hummingbirds and beneficial insect pollinators.

Garden hybrid

Bred from more than one wild species, so it has no species page of its own.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

24"

Width

24"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low to Moderate

Humidity

Low to Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Australia (Parentage)

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Spring – Fall

In flower about 9 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with sandy, gritty, or exceptionally well-drained soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, ensuring the crown sits slightly above the surrounding soil level.
Water thoroughly at planting to settle the soil, then allow the medium to dry out between waterings.
Apply a thin layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the central crown to prevent rot.

Pro Tip

Cut spent flower stems completely to the ground immediately after blooming; leaving old stalks invites ink spot disease and results in a congested, woody clump.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Grow in full sun to maximize flower production and maintain compact growth.
Provide excellent air circulation to minimize fungal leaf spotting.
Water regularly during the active spring growing season, allowing the soil to dry between applications.
Use a low-phosphorus, potassium-forward fertilizer sparingly in spring.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy clay or poorly drained soils where water pools.
Do not overwater during the winter dormancy period.
Do not leave dead flower stems on the plant, as they harbor fungal pathogens.
Do not apply standard high-phosphorus fertilizers, which can cause nutrient toxicity.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

BordersContainersRock GardensCoastal GardensCutting Gardens

Companion Plants

Epilobium canum Iris douglasiana Salvia apiana Festuca glauca

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Dwarf Kangaroo Paw questions

What zones can Dwarf Kangaroo Paw grow in?

Dwarf 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 Dwarf Kangaroo Paw deer resistant?

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

When does Dwarf Kangaroo Paw bloom?

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

Does Dwarf Kangaroo Paw need full sun?

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

Is Dwarf Kangaroo Paw drought tolerant?

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