perennial

Bush Tango Kangaroo Paw

Anigozanthos hybridus 'Bush Tango'

The Story

Plant Bio

Anigozanthos is a genus of evergreen Australian perennials characterised by strap-like foliage and unique, tubular flowers covered in dense, velvety hairs. These plants grow from underground rhizomes, which allow them to survive dry periods and regenerate after foliage damage.

'Bush Tango' is a compact, complex hybrid cultivar distinguished by its vibrant, iridescent orange to apricot flowers produced on branched stems up to 1.2 metres tall. It exhibits greater tolerance to heavier clay-loam soils and improved resistance to ink spot disease compared to older cultivars.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces striking, velvety orange-apricot flowers on tall stems that make excellent, long-lasting cut flowers.

Offers good coastal wind tolerance and performs well in pots or containers.

Provides nectar for native honeyeaters and supports native bees and insects.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

47 inches

Width

47 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Low to Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Australia (Horticultural origin)

Toxicity

Skin Irritant (hairs)

Bloom period

Spring – Autumn

In flower about 7 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Plant in a full sun position to ensure maximum flower production and strong stems.
Incorporate organic matter into sandy soils, or improve drainage in clay-loam soils before planting.
Water regularly during the establishment phase and throughout the active spring and summer blooming seasons.
Apply a low-phosphorus, slow-release native fertiliser once in late winter and again in spring.

Pro Tip

Cut spent flower stems and their associated leaf fans hard to the ground immediately after flowering finishes; kangaroo paw fans are monocarpic and will never bloom again, so removing them stimulates clean replacement growth from the rhizome.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune spent flower stems and their associated leaf fans back to 25 to 50 mm above the crown.
Use drip irrigation rather than overhead watering to keep foliage dry and prevent fungal diseases.
Fertilise with native-formulated, low-phosphorus fertilisers to avoid phosphorus toxicity.

Don't

Do not allow the soil to remain waterlogged, as this rots the underground rhizomes.
Do not leave old, dead foliage intact, which restricts airflow and encourages ink spot disease.
Do not apply standard garden fertilisers containing high levels of phosphorus.

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

Border plantingsCoastal gardensContainer specimensCut flower productionNative gardens

Companion Plants

Chamelaucium uncinatum Grevillea species Westringia fruticosa Lomandra longifolia

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Bush Tango Kangaroo Paw questions

What zones can Bush Tango Kangaroo Paw grow in?

Bush Tango 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 Bush Tango Kangaroo Paw bloom?

Bush Tango 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 Bush Tango Kangaroo Paw need full sun?

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

Is Bush Tango Kangaroo Paw drought tolerant?

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