perennial

Catspaw

The Story

Plant Bio

Anigozanthos is a genus of rhizomatous perennials endemic to Western Australia, characterised by fans of strap-like leaves and unique paw-shaped flowers. These plants rely on underground starch reserves to survive seasonal drought, resprouting from the rhizome when autumn rains arrive.

Anigozanthos humilis, known as the catspaw, is distinguished by its low-growing habit and bright yellow to orange-red tubular flowers covered in velvety hairs. The leaf margins feature distinct, rigid bristles pointing toward the apex, which helps differentiate this species from its larger relatives.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces striking, velvety yellow and orange paw-shaped flowers on upright stems, making it an excellent feature in native gardens and containers.

Highly drought-tolerant once established due to its underground rhizome, making it suitable for water-wise landscaping.

Provides a valuable nectar source for native honeyeaters, bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

39 inches

Width

24 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

3-5 years

Native To

Western Australia

Toxicity

Skin Irritant

Bloom period

Winter – Spring

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Plant in a full sun position with exceptionally well-drained sandy or gravelly soil.
Water moderately during the active autumn and winter growing seasons to establish the root system.
Withhold heavy watering during the summer dormancy period to prevent rhizome rot.
Apply a low-phosphorus, slow-release native fertiliser sparingly in early spring.

Pro Tip

Cut the entire clump hard back to five centimetres above the ground immediately after flowering to clear old foliage and prevent the spread of ink spot disease.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune the foliage hard to the ground annually after flowering finishes.
Grow in pots or raised beds if your natural garden soil is heavy clay.
Use only low-phosphorus fertilisers formulated specifically for Australian native plants.

Don't

Do not allow the plant to sit in waterlogged or poorly drained soil.
Do not water the foliage overhead, especially late in the day, to avoid fungal diseases.
Do not discard the plant when it dies back in dry weather, as it is naturally dormant.

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

Rock gardensNative bordersContainer plantingMass plantings

Companion Plants

Conostylis candicans Hemiandra pungens Adenanthos obovatus

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 winter through spring. 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.