Kangaroo paw: vase life, season, meaning and care for florists
Anigozanthos
Kangaroo paw (Anigozanthos, family Haemodoraceae) usually lasts 10–14 days in a vase. In season: Spring, Summer. Fragrance: none. Typical role in a design: line flower.
- Botanical name
- Anigozanthos
- Family
- Haemodoraceae
- Accepted name
- Anigozanthos Labill.
- Role in a design
- Line flower
- Vase life
- 10–14 days
- In season
- Spring, Summer
- Fragrance
- None
- Colours
- red, yellow, orange, green
- Type
- Cut flower
- Pets
- Not flagged as toxic in our knowledge base — check the ASPCA list for the exact species
Cut flower commercial monograph
- Official name
- Kangaroo paw
- Botanical name
- Anigozanthos
- Family
- Haemodoraceae
- Aliases
- anigozanthos
- Native origin
- Temperate and subtropical regions worldwide
- Growth habit
- Herbaceous perennial or biennial with sturdy, upright flowering stems.
- Stem length
- 50–70 cm
- Natural colours
- Red, Yellow, Orange, Green
- Natural bloom
- Natural flowering in spring, summer
- Commercial supply
- Peak in spring, summer
- Harvest stage
- Harvest when buds show true colour and outer petals loosen (Stage 2–3).
- Vase life
- 10–14 days
- Cold storage
- Cold storage suitable (2–5°C constant temperature, high humidity).
- Special care
- The fine hairs can irritate skin and eyes — do not rub your eyes while working. Keep well hydrated or the tips dry out; it also dries well.
- Application
- Serves primarily as Line flower in modern floristry, ideal for table arrangements and event designs.
- Market notes
- The fine hairs can irritate skin and eyes — do not rub your eyes while working. Keep well hydrated or the tips dry out; it also dries well.
For florists
Try Kangaroo paw in a client design
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Try it as a design — freeCare and conditioning
- The fine hairs can irritate skin and eyes — do not rub your eyes while working. Keep well hydrated or the tips dry out; it also dries well.
- Kangaroo paw dries well: hang small bunches upside down in a dark, airy place for two to three weeks.
Where it fits
| Use | Why | |
|---|---|---|
| Hospital visits and condolences | ✓ | Not strongly scented and no heavy pollen. Check that the ward accepts fresh flowers. |
| Weddings | ✓ | No pollen staining, and it lasts long enough to make up a day ahead. |
| Dining tables and restaurants | ✓ | Little or no scent, so it will not compete with the meal. |
| Homes with cats or dogs | ✓ | Not flagged as toxic in our knowledge base; still check the ASPCA list for the exact species. |
| Making ahead and next-day delivery | ✓ | Long-lasting (about 10–14 days) — good for orders prepared ahead and weekly contract flowers. |
Pairs well with
These are available at the same time as kangaroo paw and have a similar vase life (foliage lasts at least as long), so the arrangement ages evenly:
| Flower | Role | Vase life |
|---|---|---|
| Carnation | Focal flower | 10–14 days |
| Bird of paradise | Focal flower | 10–14 days |
| Orchids (cut) | Focal flower | 10–21 days |
| Eucalyptus | Foliage | 10–14 days |
| Monstera leaf | Foliage | 10–14 days |
| Asparagus fern | Foliage | 10–14 days |
Substitutes
When kangaroo paw is unavailable, out of season or priced up before a holiday, these fill the same role at the same time of year:
| Flower | Vase life | In season | Fragrance | Pets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dendrobium orchid | 10–14 days | Year-round | None | — |
| Star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum) | 14–21 days | Year-round | None | mildly toxic |
| Lupin | 5–7 days | Spring, Summer | None | mildly toxic |
| Canterbury bells | 5–8 days | Spring, Summer | None | — |
FAQ
How long does kangaroo paw last in a vase?
Usually 10–14 days, depending on variety, origin and conditioning.
When is kangaroo paw in season?
In season in spring, summer; at other times prices can run high or quality can vary.
How do you keep kangaroo paw fresh?
The fine hairs can irritate skin and eyes — do not rub your eyes while working. Keep well hydrated or the tips dry out; it also dries well.
What colours does kangaroo paw come in?
Naturally in red, yellow, orange, green (not counting dyed stems).
What can I use instead of kangaroo paw?
Flowers with the same role, an overlapping season and a similar vase life: Dendrobium orchid, Star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum), Lupin, Canterbury bells.
Can kangaroo paw be dried?
Yes. Hang small bunches upside down in a dark, airy place for two to three weeks.
Related guides
In season at the same time
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