Bush Dance Kangaroo Paw

Bush Dance Kangaroo Paw (Anigozanthos hybrid 'Bush Dance') is a compact kangaroo paw about 60cm tall and 45cm wide, with red and emerald green flowers like a traffic light. The stems shade from purple to red as the flowers age, above short silver-grey leaves. It flowers later than most kangaroo paws, which stretches the season of colour through summer and autumn.

Why you'll love it

• Traffic light colour. Red and emerald green blooms sit on stems that turn from purple to red as they age, so the display keeps changing.
• Late season flowers. It blooms later than other kangaroo paws, so planted beside earlier varieties it extends the show.
• Tough once established. Drought hardy and tolerant of salty coastal conditions, it copes with hot, dry and windy sites better than many flowering plants.
• Nectar for birds, flowers for the vase. The nectar rich flowers attract birds and are popular in cut flower arrangements.

Where it works best

Pots and containers. This is where it does best. Use a pot at least 30cm wide filled with free draining native potting mix, in full sun with good airflow. A pot is also the safest option in humid climates.

Native garden borders. Plant 45cm apart along the front of a native bed, where its short stature keeps taller shrubs behind it in view.

Coastal gardens. Salty air does not bother it, so it suits exposed seaside beds as long as the soil drains freely.

Growing Bush Dance Kangaroo Paw in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun with plenty of airflow, in a frost-free position. Kangaroo paws prefer drier air, so Bush Dance is most at home in Mediterranean, warm temperate and dry inland gardens. In humid conditions a pot gives it the drainage and airflow it needs. In frosty districts, grow it in a pot you can shelter over winter.

Soil. Light, very free draining soil. On clay or in a heavy bed, plant on a raised mound or choose a pot filled with native potting mix.

Water and feed. Water regularly until it is established, then let it rely on rain except in long dry spells. Water at the base rather than over the leaves. Feed lightly in spring with a low phosphorus native fertiliser.

Pruning. Remove the first flower spike to encourage new flower buds, then trim spent flowers and dead foliage regularly. Bush Dance is a short-lived variety, so replace it when it declines.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Bush Dance Kangaroo Paw as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly, and in 140mm pots in packs of 10. Supply comes from our grower and is not constant. If the tube reads sold out, none is available at the moment, and the notify button on the page sends you an email the day it is back. Expect a small clump of silver-grey leaves that bulks up in full sun. Unpack promptly, plant at the same depth as the tube or pot and water in well.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse all kangaroo paws
• Kangaroo paw care guide
• Plants that grow well in pots
• Coastal and salt tolerant plants

Common questions

How long will Bush Dance last?

It is a short-lived variety, so expect a few good seasons rather than a decade. Growing it in a pot with sharp drainage gives it the best chance of lasting.

Can I grow it in a humid climate?

A pot is the best answer. Kangaroo paws suit humid conditions poorly, so give it full sun, airflow and very free draining mix instead of planting it in a damp bed.

Is it good for cutting?

Yes. The flowers are popular in cut flower arrangements, and taking off the first flower spike helps the plant produce more buds.