The hardiest and most adaptable kangaroo paw — tall fans of strappy leaves topped by furry, nectar-rich flowers that birds adore. Tougher and longer-lived than the smaller hybrids.
At a glance
- Plant type: Perennial
- Mature size: 1.8 m tall
- Aspect: full sun
- Water: very drought tolerant once established
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Australian native
About Tall Kangaroo Paw
Anigozanthos flavidus is a fast-growing perennial in the Haemodoraceae family, native to Western Australia. It reaches around 1.8 m tall at maturity, with evergreen foliage. Yellow, orange and red flowers appear for much of the year.
Where to grow Tall Kangaroo Paw
Tall Kangaroo Paw suits warm-temperate, Mediterranean and subtropical climates and grows best in full sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters. It also is a genuinely water-wise choice and tolerates salt-laden coastal winds.
Soil & planting
Most soils suit Tall Kangaroo Paw provided drainage is reasonable. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Tall Kangaroo Paw is very drought tolerant once established, so once its roots are down it needs little supplementary water. As an Australian native, feed it only with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Prune Tall Kangaroo Paw after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Tall Kangaroo Paw in the garden
Tall Kangaroo Paw earns its place for drawing nectar-feeding birds into the garden, cut flowers for the vase, a feature or specimen planting and pots and courtyard containers. It is equally at home in the ground or a large pot on a balcony or courtyard.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Tall Kangaroo Paw with other plants that enjoy the same very drought tolerant and warm-temperate climate. Group three or five together for impact rather than dotting single plants through the garden. It combines naturally with other Australian natives in a habitat or water-wise garden.