This library and any plant lists generated from it reflect plants we’ve carried or could obtain over the past 12–18 months, not our current inventory or availability.

“Fire Wise” plants are not fireproof. These plants, when maintained properly, have a higher fire resistance reducing fire danger. This list is built on the recommendations of local governments and the Diablo Firesafe Council

Plant Library
perennial

Tall Kangaroo Paw

Anigozanthos flavidus

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Tall Kangaroo Paw (Anigozanthos flavidus) at East Bay Nursery

Tall Kangaroo Paw flowers

Tall Kangaroo Paw flowers

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Plant Height:  24 inches

Flower Height:  6 feet

Spread:  4 feet

Sunlight:  full sun 

Hardiness Zone:  8b

Other Names:  Cat's Paw

Description:

This species usually produces tall branched stems of vibrant greenish-yellow flowers from spring until summer, but can also be found in red, pink, or orange; a great color addition to garden beds, borders or containers

Ornamental Features

Tall Kangaroo Paw features unusual racemes of yellow flowers with chartreuse overtones rising above the foliage from mid spring to mid summer. The flowers are excellent for cutting. Its grassy leaves remain green in color throughout the year. The brick red stems can be quite attractive.

Landscape Attributes

Tall Kangaroo Paw is an open herbaceous evergreen perennial with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its relatively coarse texture can be used to stand it apart from other garden plants with finer foliage.

This plant will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and is best cleaned up in early spring before it resumes active growth for the season. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Tall Kangaroo Paw is recommended for the following landscape applications;

  • Mass Planting
  • General Garden Use
  • Container Planting

Planting & Growing

Tall Kangaroo Paw will grow to be about 24 inches tall at maturity extending to 6 feet tall with the flowers, with a spread of 4 feet. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 5 years. As an evegreen perennial, this plant will typically keep its form and foliage year-round.

This plant should only be grown in full sunlight. It prefers dry to average moisture levels with very well-drained soil, and will often die in standing water. It is considered to be drought-tolerant, and thus makes an ideal choice for a low-water garden or xeriscape application. It is not particular as to soil type, but has a definite preference for acidic soils. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This species is not originally from North America. It can be propagated by division.

Tall Kangaroo Paw is a fine choice for the garden, but it is also a good selection for planting in outdoor pots and containers. With its upright habit of growth, it is best suited for use as a 'thriller' in the 'spiller-thriller-filler' container combination; plant it near the center of the pot, surrounded by smaller plants and those that spill over the edges. It is even sizeable enough that it can be grown alone in a suitable container. Note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden.

 
 
Hardiness Zone  Plant Height  Minimum Sunlight  Soil pH Preference 
Characteristics
Massing  Garden  Container 
Applications
Flowers  Texture  Plant Form  Bark 
Features & Attributes

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