This drought-tolerant flowering perennial adds flair to your garden.
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.
Credit: Denny Schrock
While the blossoms are quite small, they bloom in large quantities on well-branched stems.
Pick a location that is protected from strong winds.
In a flower or perennial bed, adjust the location to the size of the variety.
Credit: Denny Schrock
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 forxeriscape and water-wise landscapingin warm climates.
Dig a hole at least twice the size of the nursery pot and just as deep.
Credit: Justin Hancock
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.
Credit: Justin Hancock
Kangaroo Paw Care Tips
Kangaroo paw has low maintenance requirements.
Light
Kangaroo paw flourishes infull sun.
This ensures it puts on the most blossoms and helps taller varieties stand on their own.
Excellent drainage is key; its underground rhizomes rot in wet soil.
Once established, the plant is drought-tolerant.
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.
Pruning
The pruning depends on the bloom pattern.
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.
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 plants native environment in Australia.
double-check the pot has large drainage holes.
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.
Another potential problem issnails and slugsfeeding on the leaves.
In the early summer, dig up the entire clump with a shovel.
Trim the foliage down to 12 inches with pruners or shears.
Keep the soil moist until new growth appears.
It grows 10 to 18 inches tall and wide with flower stems reaching a height of 20 inches.
It has long stems of fuzzy mustard-yellow flowers in spring and summer.
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 flowers of the California poppy will close at night and on overcast and windy days.
In many cases, there’s a tie-dye effect on the flower heads.
Flowers generally start as a light color, then darken with age.
Zone 9-11
Frequently Asked Questions
That depends on your climate.
In Zone 10-11 kangaroo paw is a perennial.
Kangaroo paw and kangaroo paw fern are two different plants.
Kangaroo paw fern (Microsorium diversifolium) is also native to Australia and is mostly usuallygrown as a houseplant.
It has shiny, dark green fronds.
The long fronds are similar to a kangaroo’s large feet.
