perennial

Green Kangaroo Paw

The Story

Plant Bio

Anigozanthos viridis, known as the green kangaroo paw, is a clumping evergreen perennial native to the winter-wet depressions of south-west Western Australia. It produces upright, grass-like fans of grey-green foliage from an underground rhizome, topped by unusual tubular flowers covered in velvety green hairs.

Unlike most kangaroo paws that demand dry conditions, this species naturally inhabits damp, seasonally wet soils and tolerates heavier clay loam. Its monochromatic green to yellow-green flowers feature strongly reflexed lobes that resemble a kangaroo's paw.

Uses & Benefits:

Striking monochromatic green flowers on tall stems provide a strong vertical accent and excellent cut flowers.

Tolerates damp, winter-wet soils and clay, making it ideal for rain gardens and seasonally wet areas.

Attracts native nectar-eating birds like honeyeaters, along with native bees and butterflies.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

34 inches

Width

24 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Medium to wet

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

South-west Western Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic (hairs may cause skin irritation)

Bloom period

Late winter – Early summer

In flower about 5 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Plant in a full sun to lightly shaded position in sand, loam, or clay loam soils.
Maintain consistent soil moisture throughout the winter and spring growing and flowering periods.
Apply a low-phosphorus native-formulated fertiliser sparingly in early spring to support blooming.
Cut spent flower stems and old, dead leaf fans cleanly to ground level immediately after flowering finishes.

Pro Tip

Do not treat this species like dry-land kangaroo paws; it requires reliable moisture during its active winter-to-spring growing phase and must be pruned cleanly to ground level post-flowering to prevent fungal ink spot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during dry spells, especially when flower buds are forming.
Prune old, dead leaf fans completely to the base to stimulate vigorous new shoots.
Ensure adequate air circulation around the foliage to minimise fungal diseases.

Don't

Do not apply heavy doses of standard phosphorus-rich fertilisers.
Do not leave old flower stubble or dead foliage on the plant, as this invites ink spot disease.
Do not allow the plant to dry out completely during its active flowering phase.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Rain gardensBog gardensCoastal gardensBorders and pathwaysCut flower gardens

Companion Plants

Patersonia occidentalis Dianella revoluta Ficinia nodosa Melaleuca preissiana

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Green Kangaroo Paw questions

What zones can Green Kangaroo Paw grow in?

Green 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 Green Kangaroo Paw bloom?

Green Kangaroo Paw typically blooms in late winter through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Green Kangaroo Paw need full sun?

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

Is Green Kangaroo Paw drought tolerant?

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