Species

perennial

Lilac Kangaroo Paw

The Story

Plant Bio

Anigozanthos is a genus of evergreen perennials native to Western Australia, characterised by their unique, tubular flowers covered in dense, velvety hairs that resemble a kangaroo's paw. The species Anigozanthos flavidus provides a robust, disease-resistant genetic foundation, producing large clumps of strap-like green leaves and tall, branched flower spikes.

'Landscape Lilac' is a vigorous cultivar bred by Angus Stewart, distinguished by its tall flower spikes bearing pale purple, lavender, and lilac-pink blooms on greyish-pink to red stems. This selection exhibits greater tolerance to wet soils and ink spot disease than traditional cultivars, making it highly reliable in home gardens.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces tall, multi-branched stems of fuzzy, lavender-pink flowers that rise above neat, evergreen fans of sword-like foliage.

Offers excellent coastal wind tolerance and a robust constitution that withstands periodic wet spells better than other cultivars.

Attracts native honeyeaters, bees, and other insect pollinators with its nectar-rich, tubular blooms.

SpeciesAnigozanthos flavidusTall Kangaroo Paw

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

71 inches

Width

39 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Low to Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Australia (cultivar origin)

Toxicity

Non-toxic (hairs may cause skin irritation)

Bloom period

Spring – Summer

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Plant in a sunny position with well-drained soil, incorporating organic matter into sandy or heavy clay soils to improve structure.
Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Apply a light application of low-phosphorus native fertiliser in early spring to support the development of new flower spikes.
Prune spent flower stems and old foliage fans hard to the ground at the end of the flowering season to encourage fresh growth from the rhizome.

Pro Tip

Cut spent flower stems and their associated foliage fans completely to ground level at the rhizome, as individual fans only flower once and leaving them invites disease.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Cut spent flower stems completely to the ground at the rhizome.
Use a low-phosphorus fertiliser formulated specifically for Australian native plants.
Ensure the soil drains freely to prevent root rot.

Don't

Do not trim the tips of the leaves, as this ruins the plant's form and invites fungal infections.
Do not overwater during winter when the plant's growth rate naturally slows.
Do not apply standard high-phosphorus fertilisers.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Bird Attracting GardensCoastal GardensMass PlantingsCut Flower GardensCourtyard Pots

Companion Plants

Westringia fruticosa Correa alba Lomandra longifolia Grevillea cultivars

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Lilac Kangaroo Paw questions

What zones can Lilac Kangaroo Paw grow in?

Lilac 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 Lilac Kangaroo Paw bloom?

Lilac 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 Lilac Kangaroo Paw need full sun?

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

Is Lilac Kangaroo Paw drought tolerant?

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