Valentine Kangaroo Paw

Valentine Kangaroo Paw (Anigozanthos hybrid 'Valentine') is a compact kangaroo paw that grows about 50cm tall and 40cm wide. Clear, warm pink flowers stand on straight stems from autumn to spring above slender blue-green leaves. It belongs to the Celebrations series bred by Kings Park Botanic Gardens in Perth, and it is all about the flowers.

Why you'll love it

• Clear warm pink. The blooms are a clean, bright pink that stands out against the slender blue-green leaves, which gives you a soft colour to plan around.
• Straight, tidy stems. Flowers rise on upright stems above the clump, which makes the plant easy to place and easy to cut.
• Petite and compact. At 50cm tall and 40cm wide it is small enough for pots, borders and tight spots.
• Autumn to spring colour. The flowers run through the cooler months, and they are nectar rich and bird attracting.
• Tough once settled. It tolerates salt air, drought and a light overnight frost.

Where it works best

Pots and feature planting. A pot of Valentine by the front door or on a balcony gives months of pink at eye level. Use a free draining native potting mix in a sunny position.

Borders and mixed gardens. Plant 40cm apart in groups of three or five at the front of a native or cottage bed. The slender blue-green leaves sit well beside silver and grey foliage.

Cut flowers. The straight stems and nectar-rich flowers are excellent in arrangements, and picking them encourages the plant to push up more.

Growing Valentine Kangaroo Paw in Australia

Position and climate. It wants a sunny, frost free location with plenty of air. Once established it tolerates salt air, drought and a light overnight frost. Like all kangaroo paws it does best in drier climates, such as Mediterranean and warm temperate gardens. In humid regions, give it the sunniest and airiest position, or grow it in a pot.

Soil. Plant in light, free draining soil. If you garden on clay, build a raised mound or use a pot.

Water and feed. Water regularly through the first summer. After that, a deep drink in dry weather is enough. A light feed of low phosphorus native fertiliser in spring is all it needs.

Pruning. Remove the first flower spike to help stimulate new buds. Prune spent flowers and dead foliage regularly to prolong flowering and keep the plant healthy.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Valentine Kangaroo Paw as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. Tubes are a practical way to plant a group of three or five. Plants travel upright. Unpack them promptly, plant at the same depth as the tube, and water in well. Expect slender blue-green foliage first, with flower stems following as the plant matures.

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

• Explore every kangaroo paw we grow
• Kangaroo paw care guide
• Plants that thrive in pots
• Drought tolerant plants for dry gardens

Common questions

What colour is Valentine?

A clear, warm pink, borne on straight stems from autumn to spring. The leaves are slender and blue-green, so the flowers do the talking.

How big does it get?

About 50cm tall and 40cm wide, so it stays compact enough for pots and small garden beds.

Does it cope with frost?

It handles a light overnight frost once established. Grow it in a pot you can shelter if your winters are colder than that.