Kangaroo paw is seen in gardens everywhere, and for good reason. It's easy to grow, versatile, and has exceptionally attractive flowers. Choose red kangaroo paw (Anigozanthos ‘Red Cross’) for added benefits of size, cold hardiness, and spectacular red blooms.

Plant in fall to give the plant time to get established before spring's bloom time and the heat of summer. While winter may be on the horizon and this year's bloom time waning, treasure this time knowing the brilliant buds will return again.

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Distinguishing traits. Showy flowers are the defining features of this otherwise relatively commonplace perennial. And while I normally wouldn’t advocate a plant based solely on its blooms, not many can offer the brilliant spectacle of color and exceptional form that ‘Red Cross’ offers from spring through fall.

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Botanical name: Anigozanthos ‘Red Cross’

Common name: Red kangaroo paw

USDA zones: 9-11

Water requirement: Medium to regular

Sun requirement: Full sun

Mature size: 4-6’ h x 4’ spread

Environmental benefits/tolerances: Moderately drought tolerant; flowers attracts hummingbirds

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How to use it. Use 'Red Cross' sparingly as a bold red accent — it's most effective when withheld just a bit. “It is a great way to get a burst of color,” says architect Jude Hellewell of Outer space Landscape Architeciture. “It’s very sculptural and architectural, great against a wall for shadow effects, and a great cut flower.”

This garden showcases all of these favorable traits working harmoniously. The row planting provides a demarcation between patio and grass, while the foliage softens the otherwise stark geometric design. And finally, the bold punch of red tops it all off.

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Before you plant. You can expect flowers from ‘Red Cross’ beginning in spring and lasting through fall. Keep your eyes open — after its flowers are spent, cut the stalks to the ground. And though kangaroo paw can be be planted throughout the year, it is recommended that they be put in the ground in late fall or early spring.

While kangaroo paw is a low-maintenance species, it has been known to be susceptible to Black Spot. Planting in well-drained sandy loam. Give the plants good air circulation and keep the area surrounding the base clear of debris. Remove any leaves that look infected. With these few proactive measures, you should be all set and ready to await the spring arrival of your red kangaroo blossoms.

More great design plants:
Feather Reed Grass | Blue Chalk Sticks | Catmint | Slipper Plant | New Zealand Wind Grass

Great design trees:
Tree Aloe | Smoke Tree | Bald Cypress