Kangaroo paw

Anigozanthos spp.

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

Kangaroo paw hardiness across the four zone systems
SystemRatingTemperature rangeHow 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

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

Categories

Related plants

Cross-check Kangaroo paw against your zones

Reference

Kangaroo paw on Wikipedia