How To Plant A Drought Tolerant Garden With Kangaroo’s Paw

One of the many stunning drought tolerant plants that one might see in Northern California gardens is Kangaroo’s Paws, a lovely and unique plant! I’ll admit, I had never heard of this plant until a few years back while walking around the Haddon Hill neighborhood in Oakland, California I spotted it, photographed it and did google image search to determine what it was. Truthfully, that initial Kangaroo’s Paws plant was actually yellow, not deep orange, and honestly I would combine them both. So if you are thinking about a drought tolerant garden, which is always a good idea, consider Kangaroo’s Paws!

Wow, really special! Wondering if I can find this is Israel?

Kangaroo paws (Anigozanthos) get their name from their unique, fuzzy, tubular flowers that open into a claw-like shape, closely resembling the paw of a kangaroo. And interestingly enough, they are native to South Western Australia

Key Characteristics

Appearance: They feature long, green, strap-like foliage. The flowers sit on tall stalks and come in vibrant colors including bright reds, yellows, oranges, pinks, and greens.
Texture: Both the stems and the petals are coated in tiny, dense hairs, giving them a distinct fuzzy or woolly texture. [
Varieties: They range in size from compact dwarf plants (around 50-60 cm) that are ideal for pots, to tall varieties (up to 2–3 meters) that are hardier and better suited for garden beds.

Care and Growing

Sun & Soil: They thrive in full sun and require well-draining soil to prevent root rot. They do particularly well in sandy loams or raised mounds.
Maintenance: After the flowering season, it is recommended to cut the dead flower stalks right down to the base to encourage fresh growth.
Wildlife: The nectar-filled tubular flowers are a favorite food source for pollinators like hummingbirds, honeyeaters, and butterflies.

If you are not familiar with drought tolerant, or native species gardens, Northern California, which has experienced many droughts leading to replacing front lawns with sustainable gardens, is a great place to get aquainted. Take a walk around Berkeley, Oakland for starters to enjoy some amazing gardens.