Want to know how to grow kangaroo paw at home? These iconic Western Australian natives have long been garden favourites, and improved varieties have won even more fans with their heavier flowering, compact habits and better disease tolerance.
With their fuzzy, paw-shaped flowers and striking colours, kangaroo paws can make a spectacular addition to garden beds, borders and pots.
Choose the right kangaroo paw
There’s a great range of sizes to choose from, from dwarf forms under 60 cm to tall types reaching 1.5–2 m. Smaller varieties can work beautifully in pots and borders, while taller varieties create height and impact through garden beds.
The colour palette is just as impressive, with pinks, reds, yellows, greens, oranges and burgundies, often combined in striking two-tone blooms.
Improved cultivars, including the popular ‘Bush Gem’ series, offer plenty of options for home gardeners.
Give kangaroo paw plenty of sun
When learning how to grow kangaroo paw, position is important. Kangaroo paws perform best in full sun, which encourages strong growth and plenty of flowers.
Choose an open position where the plant won’t be heavily shaded by surrounding trees or shrubs.
Make drainage a priority
Excellent drainage is one of the most important requirements for healthy kangaroo paws. If your soil is heavy clay, consider growing them in a raised bed with free-draining soil or planting them in containers instead.
Avoid positions where water regularly pools around the roots.
Give plants room to breathe
Kangaroo paws can be susceptible to fungal problems, particularly where conditions remain damp. Avoid crowding plants together and allow good airflow around the foliage.
Blackened patches on the foliage can be a sign of ink disease, one of the major diseases affecting kangaroo paws.
Keep your kangaroo paw looking its best
Once flowering finishes, removing old flower stems and tired foliage can encourage fresh growth and help rejuvenate the plant. Some varieties also benefit from division as established clumps become larger.
Once you know how to grow kangaroo paw, these distinctive Australian natives can bring bold colour, texture and height to your garden through the warmer months.
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