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Kangaroo Paw is one of Australia’s most iconic and beloved plants. With its unique shape and rich colours, this fast-growing, clump-forming evergreen perennial provides nectar for Australian wildlife. We’re sharing advice on how to choose, plant, and care for Kangaroo Paw to make it thrive in your garden.
Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment. Always wear gloves and a mask when handling potting mix, mulch and compost, and store products out of the reach of children and pets.
Kangaroo Paw is one of Australia’s most iconic plants, known for its unique shape and rich colour. It gets its name from its flowers that look and feel furry and are shaped just like a kangaroo’s paw. It is a clump-forming evergreen perennial that is native to southwest and western Australia. Kangaroo Paws grow in a similar way to grass, with roots or rhizomes underground. This is a clever adaptation, and it's what makes them so hardy when trimmed back.
Kangaroo Paws are fast-growing and great for biodiversity, as these native plants provide nectar for Australian wildlife.
When choosing a Kangaroo Paw plant, there are two main types to choose from: tall and short. Tall varieties can grow up to more than 1.5m in height and are easy to grow because they’re adaptable to a wide variety of soil and climate conditions. They are hardy, long-lived perennials, and will flower even without plenty of sun. They are perfect for creating a striking focal point in your garden, and their tall flower spikes are great for cut flowers.
Smaller varieties grow up to approximately 60cm, boasting spectacular colours and flowers. They are considered short-lived perennials, blossoming all year round, and are well-suited to being grown in pots. They are great for indoor arrangements or small pots that you can move around your garden to enjoy.
There are 12 species to choose from, with 11 from the Anigozanthos genus and one from the Macropidia genus. They come in a wide range of colours, including green, red, hot pink, yellow, and black.
It's important to note that breeders have cultivated specific species that produce brighter flower colours and have better disease prevention. Some examples are red and green Kangaroo Paws or the little Kangaroo Paw that produces yellow, green and red flowers.
When choosing a place to plant your Kangaroo Paw, seek out the sun. Kangaroo Paws love the sun, so – for optimal growth – place them in full sun. They require at least six or more hours of direct sunlight to grow and flower. There are, however, some varieties that prefer light shade, so check the plant label.
If the plant doesn’t get enough sun, it won’t produce many flowers and is likely to fall over. So, if you’re planting your Kangaroo Paw in a pot, make sure it’s placed in a sunny spot. If you’re planting Kangaroo Paws in the ground, make sure there’s not much shade from nearby trees or buildings.
Tip: Keep in mind that Kangaroo Paws don’t like to be moved once established, so select your spot with care before planting them in the ground.
Kangaroo Paws do best in slightly acidic soils with good drainage. They don’t like wet feet, but will cope if there is good structure to the soil, so mixing sand or perlite into the soil is a good idea. They prefer dry conditions but also need a moderate amount of soil moisture. To ensure your Kangaroo Paw doesn’t rot, remember to wait until the first few centimetres of soil are dry before watering. You can easily measure this with a moisture meter.
We’re sharing advice on how to plant and propagate your Kangaroo Paw plant.
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.
