How to grow Kangaroo Paw

At a glance

🌱 Grow your Kangaroo Paw with GardenDex

• Reminders to water it, timed to your weather and whether it's in a pot
• Frost and disease alerts for your garden, the night before
• Follow it from seed to harvest, and see what your garden grew in $
• Point your camera at any plant or bug to identify it

🗓️ When to plant

Plant in mid-spring after the last frost, or in early autumn in warm climates, to establish before peak growing season.

🌰 How to plant

1. Choose a spot with full sun and excellent drainage; amend heavy soil with sand or gravel.
2. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball and plant at the same depth it was growing.
3. Water gently and apply a thin mulch around the base, keeping it away from the crown.
4. Space plants 60–90 cm apart to allow good air circulation.

💧 Care

• Water regularly during the first growing season to establish roots, then reduce frequency once mature.
• Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming throughout the season.
• Apply a light feeding of low-phosphorus fertilizer in early spring; avoid nitrogen-rich feeds.
• Prune out dead or diseased foliage in late winter or early spring to maintain shape.
• Ensure excellent drainage and avoid overwatering, as wet soil causes root rot.

🧺 Harvest

Cut flower spikes when the lowest flowers open, leaving foliage on the plant. Flowers last 2–3 weeks in a vase and make excellent long-lasting cut flowers.

🐛 Common problems

Root rot: Improve drainage immediately by amending soil or repotting; reduce watering frequency and allow soil to dry between waterings.

Leaf spot fungus: Remove affected leaves, improve air circulation, and avoid overhead watering; apply fungicide if severe.

Spider mites: Spray foliage with water or use neem oil to control infestations.

🤝 Companion plants

💚 Good neighbours: Lavender, Rosemary, Banksia, Grevillea

⚠️ Keep apart from: Moisture-loving plants like hostas, Heavy feeders like roses

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