Photo: Forest & Kim Starr · CC BY 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Kangaroo Paw
Kangaroo paw, native to Western Australia, is instantly recognisable for the velvety, tubular flowers that fan out like a paw along wiry, branching stems. Its fuzzy texture and unusual colour range — from red and green to yellow, orange and near-black — bring a distinctive, contemporary edge to bouquets. As a line flower it adds height, movement and textural interest, and it dries beautifully for everlasting work. Hardy and long-lasting, it is a favourite of native, boho and garden-style design.
| Family | Haemodoraceae |
|---|---|
| Origin | Southwest Australia |
| Peak season | May, June, July, August, September |
| Availability | January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December |
| Stem length | 40–80 cm |
| Vase life | 7–14 days |
| Colors | red, green, yellow, orange, pink, black, bicolor |
| Price tier | mid |
Recut the stems and strip any lower foliage, then use clean water with flower food. Watch closely for stem rot and change the water often, as the stems are prone to fouling. Display in bright, airy conditions. To dry it for everlasting work, hang the stems upside down in a dark, dry spot.
- •Recut stems and remove lower foliage
- •Use clean water with flower food
- •Watch for stem rot — change water often
- •Hang upside down in a dry spot to dry well
- •Display in bright, airy conditions
Bouquet Builder — by Lacy BirdDesign the bouquet. See it as a photo.
Frequently asked questions
When is Kangaroo Paw in season?
Kangaroo Paw peaks in May, June, July, August, September, and florists can usually source it January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December. Availability shifts by region and greenhouse supply.
How long does Kangaroo Paw last in a vase?
Expect 7–14 days with proper conditioning — a clean vase, fresh water every couple of days, flower food, and a cool spot away from ripening fruit and direct heat.
What can I use instead of Kangaroo Paw?
Good substitutes for Kangaroo Paw include Leucadendron, Protea, Craspedia. Match on look, colour and season — our substitute finder ranks the closest alternatives.
What does Kangaroo Paw symbolise?
Kangaroo Paw is associated with resilience, playfulness, uniqueness, endurance.
How do you care for cut Kangaroo Paw?
Recut stems and remove lower foliage
