Kangaroo Paws

Kangaroo Paw 'Bush Ballad' (Anigozanthos 'Bush Ballad') is a dwarf red kangaroo paw from the Bush Gems series, holding velvety flower spikes at about 60cm tall over a clump around 50cm wide. The rich red paws rise above fan shaped foliage through the warmer months and pull honeyeaters into the garden daily. Compact enough for pots and front borders, it brings this Western Australian icon down to a size any garden can use.

Why you'll love it

• True red flowers. The paws hold their colour for weeks on the plant, and the velvet texture rewards a close look.
• A size that behaves. At about 60cm in flower it fills the front of a bed without flopping over paths or hiding what grows behind it.
• Birds visit constantly. Honeyeaters work the spikes for nectar, so a massed planting doubles as a feeding station.
• Built for tough positions. Drought, heat and salt tolerant, it suits coastal gardens and dry inland beds alike.

Where it works best

Mass planting. Plant 40cm apart for a bold massed display. A drift of nine or more reads as a single sweep of red and gives birds a reason to stay.

Pots and containers. A single clump fills a 300mm to 400mm pot with sharp drainage, the easy fix for gardeners on heavy clay or in frosty districts.

Borders, edging and feature spots. Use it along a sunny path edge or as repeated accents through a gravel garden.

Coastal gardens. Salt tolerance keeps it flowering in beachside beds that burn softer perennials.

Growing Kangaroo Paw 'Bush Ballad' in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun, always. It thrives in warm temperate, Mediterranean, subtropical and arid zone gardens. It takes light frost only, so in cold districts grow it in a pot you can shift under cover, or give it the warmest wall in the garden.

Soil. Drainage is the one non negotiable. Sandy and gravelly soils are ideal; on clay, plant into a raised bed or mound rather than gambling on a wet winter.

Water and feed. Water deeply once a week through the first summer, then taper right off. Established clumps flower better slightly hungry, so a light native slow release feed in spring is plenty.

Pruning. Cut spent flower stems at the base, and shear the clump back hard after flowering for fresh, clean foliage the next season.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell 'Bush Ballad' as tube stock and in 140mm pots supplied as a pack of 10, the format most buyers use for massed drifts. Tubes are young plants that establish fast and usually reach flowering size by their second season; 140mm plants are further along and fill a display sooner.

Plants are packed to travel upright and delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Expect a few quiet weeks of settling in, then strong growth once the weather warms. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Native plants with red flowers for your garden
• Browse our Australian native range
• More bird attracting plants
• Plants for coastal gardens

Common questions

How far apart should I plant them for a massed display?

Space plants 40cm apart. The clumps stay separate at ground level but the flower spikes merge into one block of red, which is the effect kangaroo paws are grown for.

Will it survive frost?

Light frost only. A stray minus one or two with quick morning sun is survivable; regular hard frosts will knock it down. In cold districts grow it in a pot and move it under a verandah for winter.

How long does it flower?

The main flush runs through spring and into summer, and each spike holds for weeks. Cutting spent stems at the base encourages more spikes while conditions stay warm.

Can I grow it in a pot long term?

Yes, it is one of the best natives for containers. Use a 300mm or larger pot with a free draining native mix, stand it in full sun and divide the clump every few years when it crowds the pot.