Does it need a lot of water?

It prefers regular water during the growing season but requires excellent drainage to prevent root rot.

Yes, cut the flower stalks back to the base after they finish blooming to encourage new growth.

Plant guide

Kangaroo paw.

Anigozanthos flavidus

Pronounced an-ih-go-ZAN-thos FLAY-vih-dus

Also known as evergreen kangaroo-paw, tall kangaroo paw, tall kangaroo-paw, yellow kangaroo paw

tall kangaroo paw — Photo by Rosario Douglas (CC BY) via iNaturalist

Kangaroo paws are striking Australian natives known for their unique, fuzzy flowers that look just like little animal paws. They bring a distinct architectural flair to any sunny garden or patio. You'll love how their vibrant colors stand out against their strappy, grass like foliage.

Another photo of Kangaroo paw — Photo by Colin Meurk (CC BY) via iNaturalist

At a glance

Care level: Moderate
Plant type: Perennial
Light: Full sun
Indoor light: Direct sun
Water: Every 7 to 14 days
Mature size: 3 to 6 feet
Growth rate: Medium
Hardiness: USDA 9 to 11
Bloom time: Late spring to mid autumn

Care

Plant these in well draining soil to prevent root rot, as they really hate having wet feet. Keep an eye out for black ink spot disease on the leaves, which often happens if the air is too humid or stagnant. They thrive when you give them plenty of space and airflow.

Watering: Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Feeding: Use a low phosphorus fertilizer during the active growing season.
Pruning: Cut back old flower stalks and foliage to the base after flowering finishes.
Repotting: Repot only when the plant becomes root bound in its current container.
Soil: Sandy, well draining soil
Soil pH: Acidic to neutral
Temperature: -5 to 35°C
Humidity: 20 to 50%
Drought tolerance: Moderate
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 5 to 8 years.
Deer and rabbits: Moderate

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes.
Water sitting on the surface for too long.
Plant growth slowing significantly.

Safety

People: The plant is generally considered non-toxic, though the fine hairs on the foliage can cause skin irritation.
Children: The stiff, fibrous leaves and fuzzy hairs may cause minor skin irritation if handled by young children.
Contact allergens: The fine, woolly hairs on the leaves and stems can cause mechanical skin irritation or contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals.
Airborne allergens: The pollen is generally not considered a major airborne allergen.
Edibility: This plant is not intended for consumption and may cause digestive upset.

How to identify it

Fuzzy, tubular flowers
Fan shaped leaf clusters
Tall, sturdy flower stalks
Velvety flower texture

Height: 1 to 2m
Spread: 0.6 to 1.2m
Leaves: green, evergreen
Flowers: yellow, green, red, orange, 5 to 10cm
Fruit: brown, Late autumn

Problems to watch for

By symptom

Plant problems by symptom

Check your kangaroo paw from a photo

Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your plant and tells you what's wrong and what to try first.

Growing it

Propagation: division, seed
When to plant: spring, autumn
Overwintering: Keep the plant dry during winter to prevent crown rot. If temperatures drop below freezing, move containers to a sheltered area.
In containers: It grows well in large pots with a minimum diameter of 40 cm using a free draining potting mix.

Division

1. Dig up a mature clump in spring.
2. Gently pull the rhizomes apart into smaller sections.
3. Ensure each section has healthy roots and foliage.
4. Replant immediately in well draining soil.

Group plants with similar low nutrient and high drainage needs to ensure all thrive together.

Grows well with

Grevillea · They share similar soil and water requirements while providing complementary textures.
Blue Fescue · The blue foliage provides a nice color contrast to the green leaves of the kangaroo paw.

Similar species

Red and Green Kangaroo Paw · It is a closely related species with more vibrant, contrasting flower colors.

Science

Family: Haemodoraceae
Genus: Anigozanthos
Order: Commelinales
Class: Liliopsida
Native range: Southwestern Australia
Conservation: This species is common and stable in its native range and is not considered threatened.

It grows in sandy, well drained soils and relies on nectar feeding birds for pollination.

Value to wildlife: nectar source
Pollinators: hummingbirds, bees
Uses: ornamental garden plant, cut flower, container plant

Through the year

JFMAMJJASOND

Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 2/9
Soil reaction: 5/9
Light: 8/9
Temperature: 7/9
Moisture: 3/9
Nutrients: 2/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Does it need a lot of water?: It prefers regular water during the growing season but requires excellent drainage to prevent root rot.
Should I prune it?: Yes, cut the flower stalks back to the base after they finish blooming to encourage new growth.

Where the name comes from

The genus name Anigozanthos comes from Greek words meaning elevated flower, while flavidus refers to the yellowish color of the original species.

Good to know

The common name kangaroo paw comes from the shape of the flowers which resemble the paws of a kangaroo.
Its close relative, the red and green kangaroo paw (Anigozanthos manglesii), is the floral emblem of Western Australia.
The plant is highly adapted to fire prone environments and often blooms vigorously after a burn.

Keep your kangaroo paw growing

This page is a general guide. Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked.

Get the app

This guide was generated with AI on September 26, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.