The floral emblem of Western Australia, with vivid green flowers rising from a woolly red stem in spring. A spectacular but short-lived paw best in sharply drained, sunny sites.
At a glance
- Plant type: Perennial
- Mature size: 1 m H × 40 cm W
- Aspect: full sun
- Water: happy on low water
- Frost: tender
- Maintenance: moderate maintenance
- Origin: Australian native
About Red and Green Kangaroo Paw
Botanically, Anigozanthos manglesii is a moderate-growing perennial in the Haemodoraceae family, native to Western Australia. It reaches around 1 m tall and 40 cm wide at maturity, with evergreen foliage. Red and cream green flowers appear in spring.
Where to grow Red and Green Kangaroo Paw
Red and Green Kangaroo Paw suits Mediterranean and warm-temperate climates and grows best in full sun. It is frost tender, so protect it from hard frosts or grow it in a sheltered spot or pot. It also is a genuinely water-wise choice and is a sought-after collector's plant.
Soil & planting
Red and Green Kangaroo Paw does best in sandy and free-draining soil. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Red and Green Kangaroo Paw is happy on low water, 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 Red and Green Kangaroo Paw after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is moderate maintenance.
Using Red and Green Kangaroo Paw in the garden
Red and Green Kangaroo Paw earns its place for cut flowers for the vase, drawing nectar-feeding birds into the garden, 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 Red and Green Kangaroo Paw with other plants that enjoy the same happy on low water and Mediterranean climate. Repeat it through a border to tie the planting together and give a sense of rhythm. It combines naturally with other Australian natives in a habitat or water-wise garden.
Buying Red and Green Kangaroo Paw
Plant Sale lists Red and Green Kangaroo Paw as potted plants and seed. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment we have it ready.
Prefer to grow it yourself? See the Red and Green Kangaroo Paw seed sowing guide for depth, timing and germination.