How to Grow Kangaroo Paw
Anigozanthos spp.
Kangaroo Paw is a striking Australian native perennial with furry, tubular flowers on tall stems that attract birds, bees, and butterflies. Plant in full sun with excellent drainage — sandy soil is ideal. Drought-tolerant once established, it resents wet feet and is prone to ink disease in humid conditions. Cut spent flower stems to the base after blooming and divide clumps every 3-4 years. Feed sparingly with low-phosphorus native plant fertiliser in spring.
Yearly Lifecycle
Care Essentials
Once in early spring with a slow-release, low-phosphorus native plant fertiliser. Kangaroo Paw is sensitive to phosphorus — keep it below 2%. Do not feed in autumn or winter.
Watch For
- Ink disease (Alternaria fungal leaf spot — black spots on leaves)
- Snails and slugs (especially on new growth)
- Root rot in waterlogged or poorly drained soil
- Rust fungus in humid conditions
Companions
Grevillea, Lavender, Agapanthus, Rosemary, Westringia
Track your Kangaroo Paw care schedule — pruning, feeding, and seasonal tasks
Start planning freeCare Requirements
☀️ Light
Full sun essential
Kangaroo Paw requires at least 6 hours of direct sun daily. In partial shade it becomes leggy and flowers poorly. Full sun also helps prevent ink disease by keeping foliage dry.
💧 Watering
Drought-tolerant once established; minimal watering needed
Water sparingly once established — Kangaroo Paw is adapted to dry Australian conditions. Overwatering is the most common cause of failure. Water only during extended dry spells in summer. Never let roots sit in wet soil.
🌱 Fertilizing
Low-phosphorus native plant fertiliser in spring only
Apply a slow-release, low-phosphorus native plant fertiliser once in early spring (phosphorus below 2%). Standard garden fertilisers can damage the root system. One light application per year is sufficient — over-feeding promotes soft growth susceptible to disease.
✂️ Pruning
Cut spent flower stems to base; remove dead foliage in late winter
After each flower stem finishes blooming, cut it right back to the base of the plant. In late winter, remove dead or blackened leaves to improve airflow and reduce disease pressure. Do not cut healthy green leaves during the growing season.
🪨 Soil
Sandy, well-drained, slightly acidic
Kangaroo Paw thrives in sandy, free-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5-6.5). Heavy clay is fatal — if your soil is clay, plant in a raised bed with added coarse sand and grit. Good drainage is the single most important factor for success.
Growing Tips
Drainage is everything
More Kangaroo Paws die from wet feet than from any pest or disease. If your soil holds water, plant in a raised bed or mound with plenty of coarse sand. In pots, use a native plant mix and ensure drainage holes are clear.
Cut flower stems hard after blooming
Unlike many perennials, Kangaroo Paw flower stems do not re-bloom. Cut them right to the base once flowers fade — this redirects energy into new growth and next season's blooms rather than seed production.
Divide every 3-4 years
Clumps become congested over time, leading to reduced flowering and increased disease. Lift and divide in early spring, discarding the woody centre and replanting vigorous outer sections.
Excellent cut flower
Kangaroo Paw stems last 2-3 weeks in a vase, making them one of the longest-lasting cut flowers available. Cut when the lowest flowers on the stem have opened but the top buds are still closed.
Log Kangaroo Paw in your garden — track growth, care, and harvests year after year
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