Kangaroo paw, as the name suggests, is a perennial native to Australia and an unusual and exciting addition to the landscape. It requires frost-free winters to be grown year-round, that’s why in cool climates, it is grown as an annual or as a potted plant and overwintered indoors.
Unlike any other flower, kangaroo paw features long, club-shaped flower buds covered in coarse hairs that are a deeper color than the flower itself. Only the tip of the bud fully opens as the petals split into six pieces and reflex backward. The inside of the flower is usually greenish-white.
Kangaroo paw comes in a rainbow of colors with tall stems of blossoms that make a great cut flower for bouquets. While the blossoms are quite small, they bloom in large quantities on well-branched stems. Depending on the variety, the size of this fast-growing plant varies from only a few inches high to more than 6 feet tall.
Kangaroo Paw Overview
Where to Plant Kangaroo Paw
Plant kangaroo saw in full sun and well-draining, preferably sandy, and slightly acidic soil. Pick a location that is protected from strong winds.
In a flower or perennial bed, adjust the location to the size of the variety. Taller varieties are best for the back of the border while shorter ones should go in the front.
Because kangaroo paw is drought-tolerant, it is well-suited for xeriscape and water-wise landscaping in warm climates.
How and When to Plant Kangaroo Paw
Kangaroo paw can be planted any time between March and October. Dig a hole at least twice the size of the nursery pot and just as deep. Place the plant in the hole and backfill with the original soil so that the top of the root ball is flush with the soil. Tamp down the soil and water it well. Keep the soil moist for the first few weeks.
Space plants 1 to 3 feet apart depending on the size of the variety.
Kangaroo Paw Care Tips
Kangaroo paw has low maintenance requirements.
Light
Kangaroo paw flourishes in full sun. This ensures it puts on the most blossoms and helps taller varieties stand on their own.
Soil and Water
The ideal soil for kangaroo paw is sandy and slightly acidic with a pH between 5.8 and 6.5. Excellent drainage is key; its underground rhizomes rot in wet soil.
Once established, the plant is drought-tolerant. However, before and during the bloom, even soil moisture is best as a lack of water may cause the buds to dry out.
Temperature and Humidity
Kangaroo paw requires warmth and won’t survive frost, that's why the plant needs to be overwintered indoors below Zone 10. Temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees F are best, as are dry conditions. High humidity is not ideal because it encourages the spread of fungal disease.
Fertilizer
Although the plant typically does not require fertilization, to promote blooming, fertilize the plant once in the spring with a slow-release high-phosphorus flower fertilizer.
Pruning
The pruning depends on the bloom pattern. For varieties with a limited flowering season (as opposed to ever-bloomers), cut back the stems right after they bloom and trim back any blossom stalks to remove diseased and dead foliage. Because of its rhizomatous nature, kangaroo paw will bounce back quickly. Smaller varieties that bloom continuously don't store much energy underground and should not be trimmed back as severely. Only remove any withered or diseased foliage along with spent flower stalks.
Most kangaroo paw dies back over the winter. Cut the dead foliage and stalks back to the ground and dispose of all the cuttings to prevent the spread of disease.
Potting and Repotting Kangaroo Paw
For container plants, use a well-draining all-purpose potting mix. Adding a few handfuls of sand mimics the natural soil in the plant’s native environment in Australia. Make sure the pot has large drainage holes. Although kangaroo paw is drought-tolerant in the landscape, potted plants need frequent watering, especially in hot summer weather.
When the roots have filled the pot or emerge from the drainage holes, repot the plant in a larger pot with fresh potting mix or divide it. The best time to repot the plant is in the spring.
Pests and Problems
The most serious disease affecting kangaroo paw is ink spot disease. This fungus, which mostly occurs in humid conditions, causes blackening of the leaves and stems. Remove any diseased plant parts promptly and dispose of them in the trash. The fungus is difficult to treat but planting kangaroo paw in full sun with good air circulation helps prevent its spread.
Another potential problem is snails and slugs feeding on the leaves.
How to Propagate Kangaroo Paw
Although kangaroo paw can be propagated from seeds, it is not commonly practiced as seeds are not readily available. Seeds collected from hybrid cultivars won’t produce plants that are true to the parent. Division every few years is a more reliable method of propagation that also helps promote vigorous growth. Note, however, that you may have a variety of kangaroo paw that is protected by a plant patent or has a patent pending (indicated by PPAF after the name), which prohibits propagation in any form.
In the early summer, dig up the entire clump with a shovel. Trim the foliage down to 12 inches with pruners or shears. Divide the clump into smaller sections and replant them in new locations at the same depth as the original plant. Keep the soil moist until new growth appears.
Types of Kangaroo Paw
'Bush Pearl'
A prolific bloomer, this hybrid boasts loads of silvery-pink blossoms almost nonstop. Great in containers. It grows 10 to 18 inches tall and wide with flower stems reaching a height of 20 inches.
'Cape Aurora'
This variety is part of the 'Cape' series of kangaroo paws that was bred as a vigorous, rapidly flowering dwarf form reaching 1 to 2 feet in height. It has long stems of fuzzy mustard-yellow flowers in spring and summer.
'Kanga'
'Kanga' is a series of kangaroo paw cultivars that bloom almost nonstop in colors of burgundy, yellow, orange, red, or pink. With foliage reaching 12 to 14 inches in height and flower stalks 20 to 24 inches tall, these plants look great in containers.
Kangaroo Paw Companion Plants
California Poppy
Typically treated as an annual in cool climates, California poppies are short-lived perennials where winter-hardy. They easily reseed in the garden for years to come. Even when not in bloom, these plants feature soft foliage tufts that add pleasing texture to the landscape. The most common color is bright orange but there are also varieties with bicolor blossoms blending ivory with pink, purple, and even yellow. The flowers of the California poppy will close at night and on overcast and windy days. Zone 6-10
Lantana
Lantana is a heat-loving annual with coarse, pungently scented, deep green leaves that are a wonderful backdrop to its contrasting flowers. In many cases, there's a tie-dye effect on the flower heads. Flowers generally start as a light color, then darken with age.
Blue Chalksticks
Senecio mandraliscae is a drought-tolerant spreading succulent from South Africa with 3- to 6-inch-long blue gray pencil-like fleshy leaves. It grows 12 to 18 inches tall and rapidly spreads up to 3 feet across, making it a good groundcover for sun-drenched locations. Zone 9-11
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do kangaroo paws come back every year?That depends on your climate. In Zone 10-11 kangaroo paw is a perennial. In cooler climates, it won't come back because winters are too cold but you can grow it as a potted plant and overwinter it indoors.
That depends on your climate. In Zone 10-11 kangaroo paw is a perennial. In cooler climates, it won't come back because winters are too cold but you can grow it as a potted plant and overwinter it indoors.
- Is kangaroo paw a fern?Kangaroo paw and kangaroo paw fern are two different plants. Kangaroo paw fern (Microsorium diversifolium) is also native to Australia and is mostly usually grown as a houseplant. It has shiny, dark green fronds. The long fronds are similar to a kangaroo's large feet.
Kangaroo paw and kangaroo paw fern are two different plants. Kangaroo paw fern (Microsorium diversifolium) is also native to Australia and is mostly usually grown as a houseplant. It has shiny, dark green fronds. The long fronds are similar to a kangaroo's large feet.