How to Grow and Care for Kangaroo Paw

Plant Care

Kangaroo paw grows best in warm, sunny situations, with good drainage. With this in mind, these plants can be seen as drought-resistant appearing to be suited to warm, dry gardens. With proper care, they can provide blooms for a long time, as well as healthy foliage.

Light

Kangaroo paw blooms best in full sun. After a 10- to 14-day adjustment period, grow them in their final location, with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight. In areas with intense summer heat, afternoon shade helps to avoid leaf scorch.

Soil

Good drainage is important to avoid root rot. So a sandy or loamy mix with enriched with compost is ideal. If you’re planting in thick clay soil, you’ll want to amend it to aid drainage with sand or perlite. Kangaroo paw prefer a slightly acidic to neutral (6.0-7.0) pH level.

Watering

While kangaroo paw is drought-tolerant, diligent watering ensures it thrives. Water deeply once or twice a week, letting the soil dry out slightly between waterings. Water more when it’s hot, but don’t allow soggy soil. Plants growing in containers dry out more quickly than their garden-grown counterparts, and therefore require more frequent watering.

Pruning

Regular pruning promotes additional flowering and helps maintain a neat appearance. Be sure to cut back spent flower stems to the plant base after flowering to encourage new growth. Removing old flowers also conserves energy for seed production.

To encourage bushier growth, prune the entire plant back one-third of its height at the end of the blooming season. This revitalizes the plant and invites new, vigorous foliage. If leaves become browned or damaged, cut them close to the ground to avoid disease.

Propagating

Kangaroo paw can be propagated using division or seeds, however, division is the quickest and most effective propagation method.

Division — Best for faster outcomes

• Divide the plant in early spring or autumn when temperatures are mild.
• Dig up a mature plant and carefully separate the rhizomes, ensuring each section has healthy roots.
• Replant directly into well-draining soil and water in, thoroughly.
• Within a few weeks, new growth should emerge.

Seed propagation — Slower but effective

• Plant seeds in well-draining soil in early spring.
• Keep soil warm and mildly moist; germination occurs in 4–6 weeks.
• When seedlings have multiple leaves, transplant them into bigger pots or garden beds.

Growing in Pots

Kangaroo paw is a good candidate for container gardening, and it does well on patios and balconies.

• Select Your Pot → A 12-14 inch pot with drainage. Choose terra cotta or ceramic pots.
• Use Well-Draining Soil → A sandy or loamy substrate prevents water buildup.
• Light Conditions → Put the pot in full sun (6-8 hours per day).
• Watering & Feeding → Water when the top inch of soil is dry & feed with a low-phosphorus fertilizer every 2-3 weeks.
• Pruning & Maintenance → Remove dead blossoms and brown leaves to encourage continuous bloom.
• Winter Care → Bring the pot indoors before the temperatures fall below 40°F (4°C) in cold climates.

Overwintering

Kangaroo paw is frost-sensitive, so the plant should be protected in colder climates. In temperate regions with mild winters, it can be left outdoors under a mulch blanket for insulation.

In frost-prone areas, you can also grow Kangaroo paw in pots and bring it indoors before nighttime temperatures fall below 40°F (4°C). Place it somewhere bright and sunny, and water less so it doesn’t get root rot. If grown as an annual, gather seeds or divide rhizomes for replanting in spring.

Blooming

Kangaroo paw, which flowers from late spring to early summer, produces tubular, colorful blooms that draw pollinators. Regularly deadhead spent flowers to encourage a longer blooming season, and feed the plant with a low-phosphorus fertilizer every few weeks.

Excessive shade, overwatering or bad soil conditions may mean fewer blooms. If the plant is no longer flowering, cut back the plant to promote new growth, and make sure it gets plenty of sunlight.

Common Issues

Though kangaroo paw is generally easy to grow, it does have a few hazards:

• Black Ink Disease→ A fungus that appears with black points on the leaves. Increase air circulation and avoid watering plants from overhead.
• Leaf Spot → Round brown or yellow "spots" on the leaves mean fungal infection. Cut out affected leaves and consider using a fungicide.
• Pests (Snails, Slugs, Spider Mites) → The best way to prevent pests is to keep the area around the plant clean and use organic pest control methods.
• Root rot — Overwatering or poorly draining soil can cause rhizomes to rot. Ensure proper drainage and allow soil to dry between waterings.

Summary

Kangaroo paw is a beautiful, easy plant, which gives to any garden an exotic touch! Its peculiar-looking flowers and long blooms give it a favorite place among pollinators and between gardeners.With proper sunlight, well-draining soil, and occasional pruning, this hardy Australian native will reward you with brilliant color year after year. Kangaroo paw is a great option for any warm-weather landscape — whether you're growing it in the ground or in pots!