Iconic Western Australian perennial with strap-like leaves and tall stems of furry tubular flowers in red, yellow, green or pink, shaped like a kangaroo’s paw.
Hardiness ratings
| System | Rating | Temperature range | How to read it |
|---|---|---|---|
| USDA hardiness zone | Zone 9–11 | −6.7 °C to 10 °C | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
| RHS hardiness rating | H3 | −5 °C to 1 °C | Plant needs at least this level of cold tolerance |
| Canadian plant hardiness zone | Zone 9 | −1 °C and warmer | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
| Australian (ANBG) zone | Zone 3–7 | −5 °C and warmer | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
About Kangaroo paw
Kangaroo paws are Western Australian, and their tubular, densely furred flowers are shaped for pollination by birds rather than insects — a perching honeyeater picks up pollen on its head as it feeds, and deposits it on the next flower. The furred texture that gives the flowers their appeal is made up of dense fine hairs. They grow naturally in sandy, sharply drained soils and are prone to ink spot disease in humid, still conditions. Most are relatively short-lived perennials and are commonly refreshed by division or replacement.
Growing notes
- Tubular flowers are specifically adapted for honeyeater pollination — a textbook example of bird-flower coevolution
- Spring and summer flowering — a signature seasonal display
- Drought tolerant and prefers well-drained sandy soils
- Tall hybrid forms (‘Big Red’, ‘Bush Gems’ series) are easier to establish than the tender wild species
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Related plants
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