perennial

Bush Pearl Kangaroo Paw

The Story

Plant Bio

Anigozanthos is a genus of evergreen Australian perennials characterised by underground rhizomes and fans of strap-like, sword-shaped foliage. The plants are distinguished by their unique tubular flowers, which are covered in dense, woolly hairs and split open at the apex to resemble a kangaroo's paw.

'Bush Pearl' is a compact, dwarf cultivar that produces masses of bright candy-pink flowers on branching, woolly pink stems from spring through autumn. This hybrid forms a dense, neat clump of mid-green foliage reaching up to 60 centimetres in height when in bloom.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces striking, velvety candy-pink flowers on woolly stems above neat green foliage fans.

Highly suitable for low-water landscaping and container cultivation where soil drainage is poor.

Attracts native nectar-eating birds, bees, and butterflies to the garden.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

24 inches

Width

20 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low to Moderate

Humidity

Low to Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Australia (Western Australia parentage)

Toxicity

Non-toxic (hairs may cause skin irritation)

Bloom period

Spring – Autumn

In flower about 7 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with excellent drainage, such as a sandy loam or a raised garden bed.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball but to the same depth, ensuring the crown of the plant sits level with the surrounding soil.
Backfill with native-friendly soil, firming gently around the base, and water in thoroughly to settle the roots.
Apply a thin layer of organic mulch, keeping it clear of the immediate foliage and rhizome to prevent rot.

Pro Tip

When pruning, cut the spent flower stems and their specific leaf fans all the way to ground level; leaving old foliage bases intact traps moisture and harbours fungal spores that trigger ink spot disease.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water at the base of the plant early in the day to keep the foliage dry.
Cut spent flower stems and their associated leaf fans right down to the ground after flowering.
Grow in pots using a free-draining native potting mix if your garden has heavy clay soil.

Don't

Do not water overhead during humid weather, as this encourages fungal pathogens.
Do not plant in shady positions, which leads to weak growth and poor flowering.
Do not apply heavy doses of high-phosphorus 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

Waterwise gardensPots and containersBorder edgingCoastal gardens

Companion Plants

Chamelaucium uncinatum Correa alba Westringia fruticosa

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Bush Pearl Kangaroo Paw questions

What zones can Bush Pearl Kangaroo Paw grow in?

Bush Pearl 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 Bush Pearl Kangaroo Paw bloom?

Bush Pearl 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 Bush Pearl Kangaroo Paw need full sun?

Bush Pearl Kangaroo Paw does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Bush Pearl Kangaroo Paw drought tolerant?

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