Anigozanthos x hybrida 'Bush Pearl'
perennial

Kangaroo Paw 'Bush Pearl'

Anigozanthos x hybrida 'Bush Pearl'

The Story

Plant Bio

Anigozanthos is a genus of evergreen, rhizomatous perennials native to Western Australia, characterized by fans of strap-like foliage and upright, branching stems. The tubular flowers are covered in dense, velvety hairs that resemble animal paws and rely on birds for pollination.

'Bush Pearl' is a compact, naturally mounding cultivar that produces a prolific display of bright candy-pink flowers from spring through fall. This hybrid is bred for enhanced disease resistance, particularly against ink spot disease, and maintains a dense habit reaching up to two feet tall.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesProduces striking, fuzzy pink tubular flowers on upright stems that contrast with clean, sword-like green foliage.
Practical UsesHighly drought-tolerant once established and performs exceptionally well in patio containers where drainage is easily controlled.
Ecological BenefitsThe nectar-rich tubular flowers are highly attractive to hummingbirds and other pollinators.
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

24"

Width

20"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low to Medium

Lifespan

3-5 years

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Spring – Fall

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
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D

In flower about 9 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Select a planting site in full sun with sandy, gravelly, or highly porous soil to ensure rapid drainage.
  2. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but of equal depth, keeping the plant's crown slightly above the soil surface.
  3. Water deeply at the base immediately after planting, avoiding overhead wetting of the foliage to minimize fungal risks.
  4. Apply a thin layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the immediate crown to prevent moisture retention.

Pro Tip

Plant the crown slightly elevated above the surrounding soil line to prevent rot, and ensure the soil is exceptionally well-drained. Avoid general-purpose fertilizers, as the specialized root system is highly sensitive to phosphorus.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Deadhead spent flower stems down to the basal clump to stimulate continuous blooming.
  • Use a slow-release, low-phosphorus fertilizer formulated specifically for native plants in spring.
  • Provide deep, infrequent watering at the base during dry summer spells once established.

Don't

  • Do not plant in heavy clay soils or low-lying areas where water pools.
  • Do not use standard garden fertilizers containing high levels of phosphorus.
  • Do not prune deep into old, leafless rhizome wood that lacks active growth nodes.

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Deadhead
Fertilize
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Container AccentCoastal GardenRock GardenBorder EdgingCut Flower Garden

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Kangaroo Paw 'Bush Pearl' questions

What zones can Kangaroo Paw 'Bush Pearl' grow in?

Kangaroo Paw 'Bush Pearl' 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 Kangaroo Paw 'Bush Pearl' bloom?

Kangaroo Paw 'Bush Pearl' 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 Kangaroo Paw 'Bush Pearl' need full sun?

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

Is Kangaroo Paw 'Bush Pearl' drought tolerant?

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

Keep exploring

Hardy in your zone?

Grow Kangaroo Paw 'Bush Pearl' with confidence

See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.