Species

4 other cultivars

perennial

Gold Velvet Kangaroo Paw

Anigozanthos hybrid 'Gold Velvet'

The Story

Plant Bio

Anigozanthos is a genus of evergreen, clump-forming perennials native to Western Australia, characterized by fans of narrow, strap-like foliage. The distinctive, tubular flowers are covered in dense, velvety hairs and split open at the apex into curved lobes resembling a kangaroo's paw.

'Gold Velvet' is a robust hybrid cultivar selected for its clean, dark green foliage and high resistance to fungal leaf diseases. It produces a prolific display of rich golden-yellow flowers on tall, branching red stems from spring through fall.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces striking, velvety golden-yellow flowers on tall branching red stems above clean, architectural strappy foliage.

Highly drought-tolerant once established and serves as an excellent, long-lasting cut flower.

The nectar-rich tubular flowers attract hummingbirds and beneficial insect pollinators in North America.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

40"

Width

24"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low to Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic (fine hairs may cause skin irritation)

Bloom period

Spring – Fall

In flower about 9 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with sandy, gravelly, or exceptionally well-drained loam.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball but no deeper, ensuring the crown sits slightly above the surrounding soil level.
Water deeply to settle the soil, then allow the top few inches to dry out completely before watering again.
Apply a low-phosphorus, slow-release fertilizer sparingly in early spring to support flowering without burning the roots.

Pro Tip

Cut spent flowering stems and old foliage back hard to ground level in late winter, taking care not to slice into the newly emerging green fans at the base.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Grow in full sun to maximize flowering and minimize fungal leaf spot.
Ensure the soil drains rapidly and never remains soggy or waterlogged.
Prune spent flower stems and old leaves hard to the ground in late winter.
Use only low-phosphorus fertilizers formulated for native plants.

Don't

Do not overwater or allow the plant to sit in standing water, which induces root rot.
Do not apply standard high-phosphorus garden fertilizers.
Do not prune too high or damage the emerging green fans at the base of the clump.
Do not plant in heavy, poorly drained clay soils.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

BordersContainersMass plantingsRock gardensCutting gardens

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.

Is Gold Velvet Kangaroo Paw deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Gold Velvet Kangaroo Paw, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Gold Velvet Kangaroo Paw bloom?

Gold Velvet Kangaroo Paw typically blooms in spring through fall. 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 (6+ hours).

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.