Orange Cross Kangaroo Paw

Orange Cross Kangaroo Paw (Anigozanthos hybrid 'Orange Cross') is the tall one of the family, reaching 1.5m to 2m high and about 1m wide. Branched flower spikes carry masses of small burnt orange paws in spring and summer, above evergreen, grass-like foliage. That height and softer flower shape make it a natural feature plant for naturalistic and cottage style gardens.

Why you'll love it

• Real height. Tall, branched spikes reach up to 2m, so it adds a vertical layer that most kangaroo paws cannot.
• Burnt orange colour. Masses of small flowers in a warm, rusty orange stand out against green foliage and suit naturalistic planting.
• Handles tough conditions. Once established it tolerates drought and a light to moderate frost, and it suits coastal planting.
• Attracts birds. The flowers are nectar rich and bird attracting, and they are popular in cut flower arrangements.
• Evergreen foliage. Grass-like leaves stay green all year, so the plant is never bare between flowerings.

Where it works best

Feature planting. Set one or a group of three at the back of a sunny bed, where the tall spikes can be seen above lower plants. Plant 1m apart so each clump can spread.

Mass display. A drift of plants 1m apart gives a haze of orange in spring and summer, and works well in naturalistic gardens.

Coastal and cottage gardens. It is suited to coastal planting and to cottage style borders, where its height balances rounder plants.

Growing Orange Cross Kangaroo Paw in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun in a position with free draining soil. Kangaroo paws prefer drier air, so Orange Cross is most at home in Mediterranean, warm temperate and dry inland gardens, and it suits the coast. Once established it tolerates drought and a light to moderate frost, which gives it some cool temperate range. Protect young plants from frost for their first winter.

Soil. Free draining soil is essential. Raise the bed on heavy clay, or grow it in a large pot of native potting mix.

Water and feed. Water regularly while it establishes, then deeply in dry weather, 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 flower buds. After flowering, cut spent flower stalks and dead foliage regularly, and the plant will reward your efforts.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Orange Cross Kangaroo Paw as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly, and in 140mm pots in packs of 10 and 200mm pots in packs of 6. 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, leafy young plant that needs a season or two to reach its full height. 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 the whole kangaroo paw range
• Kangaroo paw care guide
• Plants for coastal gardens
• Plants for mass planting

Common questions

How tall does Orange Cross grow?

Tall branched flower spikes reach up to 2m, while the plant itself is about 1m wide. It is the tallest kangaroo paw we sell.

Does it handle frost?

Once established it tolerates drought and a light to moderate frost. Young plants are more tender, so protect them through their first winter.

How many do I need for a mass planting?

Space plants 1m apart, so a drift of five covers roughly 4m of border. They fill the gaps in a season or two.