1 named cultivar

‘Landscape Lilac’Lilac Kangaroo Paw

perennial

Tall Kangaroo Paw

The Story

Plant Bio

Anigozanthos flavidus, the tall kangaroo paw, is a vigorous, clump-forming evergreen perennial native to the damp soils and open forests of south-western Western Australia. It produces wide, dense fans of leathery, dark green strap-like leaves from an underground rhizome system, with tall branched flowering scapes rising well above the foliage.

This species is the hardiest and most long-lived of the genus, distinguished by its high tolerance to heavy clay, wet soils, and summer humidity. The tubular, velvety flowers are predominantly pale greenish-yellow, though natural variations in red, pink, and orange also occur.

Uses & Benefits:

Tall, architectural flowering scapes with unique velvety, tubular blooms that make excellent, long-lasting cut flowers.

Serves as a highly resilient, long-lived soil binder for damp areas and acts as the robust genetic parent for garden hybrids.

Provides a rich source of nectar for native honeyeaters, wattlebirds, and pollinating insects.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

118 inches

Width

79 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Medium

Humidity

High

Lifespan

10+ years

Native To

Western Australia

Toxicity

Skin Irritant

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to light shade with adaptable soil, including clay or sand.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and plant at the same soil level as the pot.
Water deeply during the establishment phase, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Apply a low-phosphorus native fertiliser in autumn and spring to support heavy seasonal flowering.

Pro Tip

Avoid the amateur mistake of continuously trimming individual dead leaves; instead, wait several years until the clump becomes congested, then cut the entire plant cleanly to ground level in late winter to trigger fresh, uniform growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Cut the entire plant back to ground level when the clump becomes congested or damaged.
Water at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry and prevent fungal diseases.
Grow in full sun to achieve the most prolific and upright flowering display.

Don't

Do not perform frequent light pruning or trim individual leaves continuously.
Do not use high-phosphorus fertilisers that can harm sensitive companion native plants.
Do not plant in deep shade where flowering will be sparse and stems will flop.

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

Rain gardens and damp depressionsMass plantings and low-maintenance bordersBird-attracting and native habitat gardensCoastal gardens and second-line exposure sites

Companion Plants

Callistemon species Ficinia nodosa Westringia fruticosa Dianella caerulea

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Tall Kangaroo Paw questions

What zones can Tall Kangaroo Paw grow in?

Tall 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 Tall Kangaroo Paw bloom?

Tall 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 Tall Kangaroo Paw need full sun?

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

Is Tall Kangaroo Paw drought tolerant?

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