Tango Kangaroo Paw

Tango Kangaroo Paw (Anigozanthos hybrid 'Tango') is a popular sunset orange kangaroo paw that stays neat at about 1m tall and 80cm wide. Strappy evergreen leaves carry spikes of warm orange flowers from spring to summer. It is such an iconic Australian plant that it has featured on an Australia Post stamp.

Why you'll love it

• Sunset orange flowers. Warm, toasty orange tones glow in full sun and look rich against green foliage.
• A manageable size. Neat at around 1m tall and 80cm wide, it fits borders and pots without taking over.
• Evergreen leaves. Strappy foliage stays tidy all year, so the plant looks good when it is not in flower.
• Bird attracting. The flowers draw birds into the garden and can be cut for indoor arrangements.
• Easy to place. Strappy leaves and upright flower spikes mix well with grasses, banksia and other natives.

Where it works best

Massed displays. Plant 80cm apart in drifts of five or seven for a bold block of orange in spring and summer.

Feature pots. A 35cm or larger pot of native potting mix suits one plant, in full sun with good airflow.

Sunny borders. Use it mid-border in a hot, well drained position, behind lower silver or grey-green plants.

Growing Tango Kangaroo Paw in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun in a frost-free location with plenty of air. Kangaroo paws like well drained, somewhat drier conditions, so Tango suits Mediterranean, warm temperate and dry inland gardens. In humid or frosty districts, grow it in a pot where you control drainage and can shelter it.

Soil. Light, free draining soil. Plant on a raised mound if your soil is clay, or use a pot filled with native potting mix.

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

Pruning. Prune old flowers and dead foliage regularly, and the plant will reward your efforts. Cut spent stems to the base.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Tango Kangaroo Paw as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. 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. Unpack promptly, plant at the same depth as the tube in full sun 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

• All kangaroo paws
• Kangaroo paw care guide for Australian gardens
• Plants for full sun
• More Australian native plants

Common questions

How big does Tango grow?

About 1m tall and 80cm wide, so it suits a border or a large pot.

How far apart should I plant it?

Plant 80cm apart for a massed display. Closer planting crowds the clumps and reduces airflow.

Does it need full sun?

Yes. Kangaroo paws need a sunny, well drained position with plenty of air to flower well and stay healthy.