Regal Velvet Kangaroo Paw

Regal Velvet Kangaroo Paw (Anigozanthos hybrid 'Regal Velvet') is the kangaroo paw for people who want the flowers without the fuss. The clump of upright strappy leaves sits at about 50cm to 60cm tall and 40cm wide, and from spring into summer velvety red flowers with green highlights rise on stems 1m to 1.4m tall. Bred by Ozbreed from Anigozanthos manglesii and Anigozanthos flavidus, it needs less trimming, resists ink spot better and is tougher than most paws.

Why you'll love it

• Tall red flowers that pull in birds. The velvety red paws on 1m to 1.4m stems are worked by honeyeaters from spring into summer.
• Less trimming than other paws. Most paws want a hard cut every year; this one goes one to two years between cuts, or longer among strappy leaf plants.
• More ink spot resistant. The black leaf blotching that spoils so many paws shows up far less on this line.
• Tough and weed smothering. It is stronger than older hybrids and dense enough to crowd weeds out of a massed bed.
• Drought and frost tolerant. Once established it lives on rain alone in southern Australia and comes through frost.

Where it works best

Mass planting. Plant 50cm apart, three to five plants per square metre, for a block of red flower above a solid green base; two to three per linear metre runs it along a border.

Between strappy leaf plants. The lowest maintenance recipe is bands of it behind or between evergreen strappy leaf plants such as lomandra or dianella; their foliage hides the paw's resting phase and you can skip the cut back.

Pots and small gardens. One plant fills a large pot and flowers at eye level on a balcony, given full sun and a free draining mix.

Growing Regal Velvet Kangaroo Paw in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun in an open position; shade and crowding bring leaf disease and fewer flowers. It suits subtropical, warm temperate, cool temperate, Mediterranean and arid or semi arid gardens in every state and the ACT. In northern Queensland it is shorter lived, about two to three years; further south it is a long term plant.

Soil. Well drained soil or a raised bed; wet feet is the one thing that kills a kangaroo paw. Set the crown level with the soil, never below it, and keep mulch off the base.

Water and feed. Water as needed for the first 8 to 13 weeks, then let the weather do the work. A native slow release fertiliser in spring if growth is slow; nothing high in phosphorus.

Pruning. Remove the old flower stems once they fade. Cut the foliage back every one to two years to renew it, unless it sits in bands between strappy leaf plants, where you can leave it alone.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Regal Velvet Kangaroo Paw in 140mm pots in packs of 10, the right unit for a massed bed or a border. Each is a rooted division with a fan of leaves, and paws travel well because the leaves are tough and upright. Plant into free draining soil, water in, and expect the first flower stems the following spring.

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 full kangaroo paw range
• See the full Ozbreed range
• More Australian native plants

Common questions

Why do kangaroo paws die?

Wet feet, almost every time. Plant into free draining soil or a raised bed, keep the crown at soil level and do not over water. In heavy wet clay it rarely sees a second summer.

How often does it need cutting back?

Every one to two years, less often than most paws. Planted between strappy leaf plants it can be left uncut, as the surrounding foliage hides the old leaves.

Will it grow in Queensland?

Yes, with a caveat. In northern Queensland it lasts about two to three years, so treat it there as a long flowering perennial you replace. Further south it lasts for years.