1 named cultivar

‘Landscape Lilac’Lilac Kangaroo Paw

perennial

Tall Kangaroo Paw

The Story

Plant Bio

Anigozanthos flavidus, the tall kangaroo paw, is a robust, evergreen perennial herb native to southwest Western Australia, forming dense, grassy clumps of rigid, strap-shaped leaves. It produces tall, branching, leafless stems topped with tubular, curved flowers covered in velvety hairs that resemble a kangaroo's paw.

Unlike other members of its genus, this species is exceptionally long-lived, highly tolerant of summer humidity, and capable of surviving in seasonally damp soils. The wild form displays greenish-yellow flowers, though cultivated selections extend the color range to red, pink, and orange.

Uses & Benefits:

Tall, architectural flower spikes with unique velvety, paw-shaped blooms that persist for months.

Excellent, long-lasting cut flower and a highly drought-tolerant choice for water-wise landscapes.

Highly attractive to hummingbirds and generalist pollinators, providing a rich nectar source.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

79"

Width

47"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low to Moderate

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic (hairs may irritate skin)

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with well-draining sandy loam or clay loam soil.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and plant at the same depth as the container.
Water deeply to settle the soil, then establish a regular watering schedule during the first growing season.
Apply a thin layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the central crown to prevent rot.

Pro Tip

Cut the entire clump back hard to two to four inches above the ground immediately after flowering finishes in late winter to eliminate ink-spot-damaged foliage and stimulate clean, vigorous new shoots from the rhizome.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Cut the entire plant back to two inches above the ground in late winter to stimulate fresh, disease-free growth.
Use a certified low-phosphorus fertilizer formulated specifically for native plants.
Ensure excellent air circulation around the foliage to minimize fungal leaf spot.

Don't

Do not prune into old, leafless wood, as this prevents proper recovery and regrowth.
Do not apply standard high-phosphorus garden fertilizers or heavy manures.
Do not overwater during the winter dormancy period when the plant's active growth slows.

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

Accent PlantBorder PlantingCut Flower GardenMass PlantingContainer Planting

Companion Plants

Salvia apiana Ceanothus Arctostaphylos

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.

Is Tall Kangaroo Paw deer resistant?

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

When does Tall Kangaroo Paw bloom?

Tall Kangaroo Paw typically blooms in 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.