Species

2 other cultivars

perennial

Kangaroo Paw

Anigozanthos hybrid 'Bush Diamond'

The Story

Plant Bio

Anigozanthos is a genus of clumping evergreen perennials native to the south-west of Western Australia, characterised by their unique, paw-shaped tubular flowers covered in fine hairs. These plants grow from underground rhizomes and produce fans of strap-like, sword-shaped foliage that support upright, branching flower spikes.

'Bush Diamond' is a compact, dwarf cultivar distinguished by its snow-white to off-white flowers blushed with pale pink overtones on contrasting pink branching stems. Reaching up to 80 centimetres in height including the flower spikes, this dense, upright selection features frost-green to bright light-green foliage.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces striking, velvety white and pink paw-shaped flowers on compact, upright stems above neat fans of frost-green foliage.

Highly suited to container cultivation and provides excellent, long-lasting cut flowers.

The tubular flowers provide a rich source of nectar for native honeyeaters and attract native bees.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

31 inches

Width

24 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low to Moderate

Humidity

Low to Medium

Lifespan

3-5 years

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Skin Irritant

Bloom period

Spring – Autumn

In flower about 7 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with highly drained sandy loam, loam, or gritty soil.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and plant at the same depth as the nursery pot, ensuring the crown is not buried.
Water regularly during the establishment phase and during spring bud formation, avoiding direct overhead watering of the foliage.
Apply a light application of slow-release, low-phosphorus native fertiliser in spring and autumn.

Pro Tip

Treat this dwarf hybrid as a short-lived perennial peaking over three to five years, and prune the entire plant right back to ground level annually after flowering to stimulate clean replacement fans and eliminate fungal spore reservoirs.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune spent flower stems and old foliage right back to ground level after flowering finishes.
Ensure maximum bright sunlight to achieve optimal flower coloration.
Grow in pots or raised mounds if the garden soil consists of heavy, poorly drained clay.

Don't

Do not allow the soil to become waterlogged or permanently saturated.
Do not prune into old, woody leafless structures at the base.
Do not wet the foliage directly during humid weather to prevent fungal outbreaks.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Water-wise gardensCourtyard pots and containersNative bird gardensMass plantings and borders

Companion Plants

Chamelaucium uncinatum Correa alba Lomandra longifolia

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Kangaroo Paw questions

What zones can Kangaroo Paw grow in?

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 Kangaroo Paw bloom?

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 Kangaroo Paw need full sun?

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

Is Kangaroo Paw drought tolerant?

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