Bush Joker Kangaroo Paw

Bush Joker Kangaroo Paw (Anigozanthos hybrid 'Bush Joker') is a compact kangaroo paw about 60cm tall and 45cm wide, with small dark purple-red paws on long stems. Its leaves are the surprise: they are bicoloured, dark green shaded with purple, so the plant looks good even out of flower. It is a neat size for pots on a deck or in a courtyard.

Why you'll love it

• Leaves with colour. Dark green leaves shaded purple give the plant interest all year, not just when it is flowering.
• Moody flowers. Purple, pink and red tones in the small paws look rich against pale walls, grey foliage or gravel.
• Pot sized. At 60cm by 45cm it suits containers on a deck or patio and fits into almost any garden space.
• Salt tolerant. It stands up to salt, so it will grow in coastal gardens.
• Good for wildlife. It suits wildlife and native gardens, where the flowers draw in birds.

Where it works best

Decks and patios. Grow it in a pot at least 30cm wide, filled with free draining native potting mix and placed in full sun. Containers give you control of drainage and humidity.

Coastal beds. Salt air will not scorch it. Plant 45cm apart in a sunny, well drained bed near the coast.

Native and wildlife gardens. Mix it with grey-green natives so the purple leaves and flowers stand out.

Growing Bush Joker Kangaroo Paw in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun, frost-free and with plenty of air around the plant. Kangaroo paws do not like too much humidity and do better in drier climates, so Bush Joker suits Mediterranean, warm temperate and dry inland gardens. In humid regions grow it in a pot, in the sunniest and airiest position you have.

Soil. Light, free draining soil. Raise the bed or use a pot with native potting mix if your soil is heavy or stays wet.

Water and feed. Water regularly while it establishes, then deeply in dry spells, letting the soil surface dry between waterings. Feed in spring with a low phosphorus native fertiliser.

Pruning. Remove the first flower spike to help stimulate new buds. After that, prune off spent flowers and dead foliage regularly.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Bush Joker Kangaroo Paw as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. Tube stock comes from our grower and is not always available. When the tube shows as sold out, the grower has none at the moment, and the notify button on the page emails you the day it is back. Expect a small clump with the first hint of purple in the leaves. Plant it in full sun at the same depth as the tube and water it 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 the kangaroo paw collection
• Kangaroo paw care guide
• Plants for pots and containers
• More Australian native plants

Common questions

Will it grow in a humid climate?

It prefers drier conditions, so in humid regions a pot is the safer choice. Give it full sun, airflow and a very free draining mix.

What size pot does it need?

A pot about 30cm wide is a good start. Fill it with native potting mix and place it where it gets sun for most of the day.

Is it tolerant of salt?

Yes. It stands up to salt, so it will grow in coastal gardens, though sharp drainage and sun are still essential.