Species

2 other cultivars

perennial

Gold Velvet Kangaroo Paw

Anigozanthos hybrid 'Gold Velvet'

The Story

Plant Bio

Anigozanthos is a genus of evergreen Australian perennials characterised by strap-like foliage fans and unusual, tubular flowers covered in dense, velvety hairs. These plants rely on birds for pollination, with flowers structured to deposit pollen on the heads of feeding honeyeaters.

'Gold Velvet' is a robust, mid-sized hybrid bred for superior resistance to ink spot disease and improved tolerance to humid conditions. It produces bright golden-yellow flowers on branched, contrasting red stems that reach up to one metre in height above clean, dark green foliage.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces striking, fuzzy golden-yellow flowers on contrasting red stems that make excellent, long-lasting cut flowers.

Offers high drought tolerance and improved resistance to ink spot disease compared to wild Kangaroo Paw species.

Provides a rich source of nectar for native Australian honeyeaters, wattlebirds, and native bees.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

39 inches

Width

24 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Medium

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Australia (hybrid origin)

Toxicity

Non-toxic (hairs can cause mild skin irritation)

Bloom period

Spring – Autumn

In flower about 7 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Plant in a position that receives full sun to ensure robust flowering and maximum disease resistance.
Prepare the planting hole in sandy, loamy, or well-drained soil, ensuring the crown sits level with the surrounding soil surface.
Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Apply a low-phosphorus, slow-release native fertiliser annually in spring to support flower production.

Pro Tip

Cut the entire spent flowering stem and its associated foliage fan hard to five centimetres above the ground immediately after flowering to stimulate clean, vigorous new growth from the underground rhizome.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune spent flower stems and old foliage fans hard to the ground after the main flowering season.
Ensure excellent air circulation around the foliage to prevent fungal issues.
Use low-phosphorus fertilisers formulated specifically for Australian native plants.
Grow in pots with high-quality, free-draining potting mix if native garden soil is heavy clay.

Don't

Do not water the foliage directly; use drip irrigation or water at the base to prevent ink spot fungus.
Do not allow the plant to sit in waterlogged or poorly drained heavy clay soils.
Do not prune late in the season or leave high stubs, which can rot and harbor pests.
Do not apply standard high-phosphorus garden 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

Mass plantingRock gardensBorder edgingContainer specimensCut flower gardens

Companion Plants

Westringia fruticosa Lomandra longifolia Grevillea cultivars Correa reflexa

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Gold Velvet Kangaroo Paw questions

What zones can Gold Velvet Kangaroo Paw grow in?

Gold Velvet 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 Gold Velvet Kangaroo Paw bloom?

Gold Velvet 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 Gold Velvet Kangaroo Paw need full sun?

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

Is Gold Velvet Kangaroo Paw drought tolerant?

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