Garden hybrid

This is a garden hybrid, bred from more than one wild species, so it has no single species page of its own.

5 other cultivars

perennial

Large Red Kangaroo Paw

Anigozanthos x hybrida 'Big Red'

The Story

Plant Bio

Anigozanthos is a genus of evergreen, rhizomatous perennials endemic to southwestern Western Australia, characterized by basal rosettes of strap-like leaves and woolly, tubular flowers. The unique, fuzzy perianths resemble animal paws and are adapted for bird pollination, opening at the tips to expose the stamens.

'Big Red' is a robust interspecific hybrid that produces tall, branched flower spikes reaching up to six feet above a three-foot clump of dark green foliage. The flowers are a rich tomato-red, covered in dense, velvet-like hairs that retain their intense color from late spring through mid-summer.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces striking, architectural flower spikes of deep tomato-red that persist for months and make excellent, long-lasting cut flowers.

Highly drought-tolerant once established and exhibits excellent salt tolerance, making it ideal for coastal landscapes.

Provides a rich source of nectar for hummingbirds and beneficial insects throughout the long summer blooming season.

Garden hybrid

Bred from more than one wild species, so it has no species page of its own.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

72"

Width

36"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low to Moderate

Humidity

Low to Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic (microscopic hairs may cause skin irritation)

Bloom period

Late spring – Summer

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with sandy, loamy, or gritty soil that provides exceptional drainage.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and plant the rhizome so the crown sits level with the surrounding soil surface.
Water deeply at the base to settle the soil, then allow the top few inches to dry completely before watering again.
Apply a low-phosphorus, slow-release native plant fertilizer once in spring to support flower development without burning the roots.

Pro Tip

Individual fan leaves flower only once and naturally die back; cut spent flower stems and their associated fans cleanly to the base rather than trimming the tips, which prevents fungal buildup without injuring emerging secondary growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Cut spent flower stems back to ground level immediately after flowering finishes.
Provide excellent air circulation and space plants to prevent humidity buildup around the foliage.
Water at the soil level to keep the leaves dry and minimize fungal infections.

Don't

Do not use standard garden fertilizers containing high levels of phosphorus.
Do not overwater during the winter dormancy period when the plant's metabolic activity slows.
Do not prune into old, leafless woody tissue at the base of the clump.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Accent plantCoastal gardensContainer specimensCut flower borders

Companion Plants

Salvia clevelandii Lupinus albifrons Arctostaphylos densiflora Festuca californica

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Large Red Kangaroo Paw questions

What zones can Large Red Kangaroo Paw grow in?

Large Red 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 Large Red Kangaroo Paw deer resistant?

Yes — Large Red Kangaroo Paw is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Large Red Kangaroo Paw bloom?

Large Red Kangaroo Paw typically blooms in late spring through summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Large Red Kangaroo Paw need full sun?

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

Is Large Red Kangaroo Paw drought tolerant?

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