perennial

Catspaw

The Story

Plant Bio

Anigozanthos humilis, known as catspaw, is a clumping evergreen perennial native to southwest Western Australia, distinguished by its low-growing basal rosette of strap-like leaves. The plant produces unbranched or sparsely branched stems bearing tubular, deeply-split yellow flowers shaded with orange and red, all covered in a dense layer of colored felty hairs.

This species is the smallest of the kangaroo paws, with foliage reaching only twelve inches high and flower spikes rarely exceeding two feet. The margins of the flat green leaves are lined with distinct, rigid bristles that set it apart from smoother-foliaged relatives.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces distinctive, fuzzy, tubular yellow-orange flowers held above compact, strap-like evergreen foliage.

Offers high drought tolerance once established, making it suitable for water-wise landscapes and dry coastal containers.

Provides a rich nectar source that enthusiastically attracts hummingbirds in North American gardens.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

24"

Width

24"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low to Moderate

Lifespan

2 to 4 years

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic (microscopic hairs may cause skin and eye irritation)

Bloom period

Spring – Summer

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with full sun and exceptionally well-draining sandy soil or gravelly loam.
Plant the rhizome so the crown sits level with the soil surface, avoiding deep planting which causes rot.
Water moderately during the active spring growing phase, then reduce watering significantly during summer dormancy.
Apply a low-phosphorus, native-formulated fertilizer sparingly in spring to avoid root damage.

Pro Tip

Expect this species to peak in vigor for only two to four years before declining; propagate regularly by spring clump division or seed to maintain garden presence.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune old flowering stalks and damaged leaves hard to ground level immediately after flowering finishes.
Ensure sharp soil drainage to prevent summer root rot.
Wear gloves when handling the plant to avoid skin irritation from the velvety floral hairs.

Don't

Do not use standard phosphorus-rich fertilizers, which damage the sensitive root system.
Do not overwater the plant during its summer dormancy period.
Do not cut blindly into the old, woody underground rhizome tissue when pruning.

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

Water-wise bordersRock gardensContainer displaysCoastal gardens

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Catspaw questions

What zones can Catspaw grow in?

Catspaw 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 Catspaw bloom?

Catspaw 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 Catspaw need full sun?

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

Is Catspaw drought tolerant?

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