Browse plants / Haemodoraceae
Red kangaroo paw Anigozanthos rufus
When it flowers
- January, not flowering
- February, not flowering
- March, not flowering
- April, not flowering
- May, not flowering
- June, not flowering
- July, not flowering
- August, not flowering
- September, not flowering
- October, flowering
- November, flowering
- December, flowering
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Kangaroo paw with deep burgundy-red flowers on tall, branched stems.
From the south coast of Western Australia. Its rich red to burgundy paws are among the darkest of any kangaroo paw, and it is a parent of many red garden hybrids. Best in sandy, free-draining soil and a dry-summer climate.
In the garden
- Leaves
- Strappy, grey-green leaves.
- Attracts
- Birds
- Flowers
- Deep red to burgundy furry flowers on branched stems.
Growing conditions
- Light
- Full sun
- Soil
- Sandy and loam
- Drainage
- Needs good drainage
- Frost
- Light frost
- Water
- Some dry spells
- Climate
- Dry summers (Mediterranean) and temperate
Planting and care
- Grown from
- Seed and division
Planting
Full sun with good air movement in well-drained soil. Space 50 to 60 cm apart.
Pruning
Cut each flower stem at the base once it finishes. Remove old, blackened leaves in late summer.
Care
Water through dry spells while flowering. Prone to ink disease (black blotches on the leaves) in humid weather; remove affected leaves and water the soil, not the foliage.
Where it comes from
- Family
- Haemodoraceae
- Order
- Commelinales
- Native to
- Western Australia
- Natural range
- Sandy heath of the south coast of Western Australia.
Where to buy
Specialist native nurseries.
We don't have stockists listed for this plant yet. Local native nurseries are often the best place to ask.
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Further reading
- Anigozanthos rufus on the Atlas of Living Australia (Atlas of Living Australia)
Native nurseries near you
An independent list of nurseries that specialise in Australian native plants. Nobody pays to be on it. Distances are approximate and in a straight line. Opening hours and stock vary, so check before you go.