Plant Profile: Kangaroo Paw
This much-loved Australian plant can add interest and colour to gardens of all shapes, sizes and styles
When it comes to a plant that proudly stands up and says, “Yes, I’m Australian!”, the kangaroo-paw is perhaps one of our most iconic native Australian species. This loveable plant can add colour and character to gardens of all styles – and you might be surprised at how far it has come over recent years. It’s not only easier than ever to grow, kangaroo-paw comes in some unexpected colours, including black. If you’d like to give this Aussie battler a try in your garden, read on for some handy growing tips and planting ideas that will make it easy.
View our photo gallery of Australian gardens
View our photo gallery of Australian gardens
Originating from Western Australia, where it is the state floral emblem, kangaroo-paw was notoriously hard to grow in the more humid gardens along the eastern seaboard. However, after extensive research and clever breeding, there are now some wonderful kangaroo-paw hybrids available to the public that will happily grow in a variety of climatic conditions.
Not only have the plant breeders managed to create varieties that are more resistant to the dreaded ink spot disease (where black spots form on the leaves, eventually killing them and sometimes the whole plant), but they are also available in a large array of colours and sizes to suit any garden.
COLOURS AVAILABLE: Red, Rusty brown, Burgundy, Pink, Black and Green, Orange, Yellow, and pretty White (my new favourite).
Not only have the plant breeders managed to create varieties that are more resistant to the dreaded ink spot disease (where black spots form on the leaves, eventually killing them and sometimes the whole plant), but they are also available in a large array of colours and sizes to suit any garden.
COLOURS AVAILABLE: Red, Rusty brown, Burgundy, Pink, Black and Green, Orange, Yellow, and pretty White (my new favourite).
Traditionally, native plants, such as kangaroo-paws, were only thought of for creating Australian native gardens like this one here, and they certainly look right for such a job. The striking flower heads really create an impact in this contemporary garden which also features plantings of soft native grasses, neutrally coloured hardscapes and other bold tones of red with the inclusion of Leucadendron and Pennisetum advena ‘Rubrum‘ (Purple Fountain Grass).
EXPERT TIP: Regular watering during the flowering season will help to prolong the life of kangaroo-paw flowers.
EXPERT TIP: Regular watering during the flowering season will help to prolong the life of kangaroo-paw flowers.
However, why limit yourself to only using kangaroo-paw with other natives? They will happily grow alongside exotics and give an unexpected element and an injection of colour, just as this cute cottage-style garden shows with its Lavandula stoechas (lavender), Echium, Buxus sempervirens (box) and perennial grasses.
EXPERT TIP: Like many other perennial plants, kangaroo-paw will benefit from being cut back hard at the end of its flowering season. It grows from an underground rhizome and can withstand being cut down to ground level (this is especially important in frosty zones). This will have the added benefit of ensuring fresh new leafy growth each year and help to keep fungal diseases at bay. After pruning apply a slow-release native fertiliser near the root zone.
EXPERT TIP: Like many other perennial plants, kangaroo-paw will benefit from being cut back hard at the end of its flowering season. It grows from an underground rhizome and can withstand being cut down to ground level (this is especially important in frosty zones). This will have the added benefit of ensuring fresh new leafy growth each year and help to keep fungal diseases at bay. After pruning apply a slow-release native fertiliser near the root zone.
The colour range of the new Anigozanthos cultivars means that the plants can be used to match almost any colour scheme.
I love the way this simple green planting scheme includes a clump of tall orange kangaroo-paw which seems to offset and complement the clean modern lines of the architecture in a very natural way. The bold flowering stalks are held high up above the grassy base, and the long flowering habit from spring through to summer makes them a very useful plant to use in perennial borders and beds.
I love the way this simple green planting scheme includes a clump of tall orange kangaroo-paw which seems to offset and complement the clean modern lines of the architecture in a very natural way. The bold flowering stalks are held high up above the grassy base, and the long flowering habit from spring through to summer makes them a very useful plant to use in perennial borders and beds.
If you are keen to entice birds into your garden, one of the lovely benefits of adding kangaroo-paw to your planting scheme is that birds, native bees and butterflies will be strongly drawn to the flowers –especially honey eaters which will help to pollinate the flowers.
Planting alongside a water feature like this will be doubly attractive to small birds. The tall heads of the kangaroo-paw hanging over are strong enough for birds to perch on while feeding on the nectar.
CAUTION: Some people can be allergic to the fuzzy flower heads of kangaroo-paw, which may irritate the skin. Handle with care if you are susceptible to such irritations.
Planting alongside a water feature like this will be doubly attractive to small birds. The tall heads of the kangaroo-paw hanging over are strong enough for birds to perch on while feeding on the nectar.
CAUTION: Some people can be allergic to the fuzzy flower heads of kangaroo-paw, which may irritate the skin. Handle with care if you are susceptible to such irritations.
This garden is so stylised it is almost Zen. Perhaps a red-leafed maple or a flowering quince could have been chosen for this position, but the kangaroo-paw does a wonderful job of making a stylish statement with its bright velvety red flowers, and the display lasts for months on end.
EXPERT TIP: After 5-7 years these plants start to loose their vigour. The somewhat limited life span of Anigozanthos means that it is a good idea to lift and divide clumps every few years to keep the plants strong and healthy.
EXPERT TIP: After 5-7 years these plants start to loose their vigour. The somewhat limited life span of Anigozanthos means that it is a good idea to lift and divide clumps every few years to keep the plants strong and healthy.
Rockeries and terraced areas are perfect for kangaroo-paw as they are inherently well drained. Planting en masse, like in this garden beside the steps, helps to ground the steeply ascending stairs. Meanwhile, the dynamic trio of purple, red and yellow is always a winner.
With so many amazing varieties now available at your local nursery, why not go and check them out?Creating an impact with these little beauties is fun and easy.
Get the most out of your garden with the help of landscape designer or architect
TELL US
What do you like most about the kangaroo-paw? And what are your favourite colours? Have your say in the comments section.
MORE
Top 10 Plants for Minimum Effort and Maximum Impact
So Your Garden Style Is: Natural
Cut Above: 10 Clever Ideas for Creating a Cutting Garden
Exotic Plants for Frosty Gardens
With so many amazing varieties now available at your local nursery, why not go and check them out?Creating an impact with these little beauties is fun and easy.
Get the most out of your garden with the help of landscape designer or architect
TELL US
What do you like most about the kangaroo-paw? And what are your favourite colours? Have your say in the comments section.
MORE
Top 10 Plants for Minimum Effort and Maximum Impact
So Your Garden Style Is: Natural
Cut Above: 10 Clever Ideas for Creating a Cutting Garden
Exotic Plants for Frosty Gardens
Scientific name: Anigozanthos
Common name: Kangaroo-paw
Name origin: Derived from the Greek work ‘Anises’, meaning oblique and Anthos’, meaning flower, which refers to the six unequal parts of the flower.
Origin: Endemic only to the south-west of Western Australia.
Climate: Will grow in most moderate zones although requires protection from extreme heat and frost. It doesn’t perform well in humid areas.
Soil: Well-drained soil enriched with well-composted organic matter.
Aspect: Full sun
Water: Moderately drought tolerant although needs to be watered regularly during hot seasons and periods of prolonged drought.