Kangaroo Paw (Anigozanthos species) is an iconic Australian native plant, instantly recognizable by its striking, tubular flowers covered in a soft, felt-like hair. These unique blooms, which resemble the paws of a kangaroo, are a highlight in any garden, offering a vibrant splash of color from late spring into summer. Multiplying these architectural plants is straightforward, offering gardeners several distinct methods to expand their collection. Propagation methods include dividing the underground rhizomes, sowing seeds, or rooting stem cuttings, all offering reliable ways to create new plants.
Propagation by Division
Division is the most dependable and commonly used method for multiplying established Kangaroo Paw plants, especially the clumping varieties. It is best performed in late summer or early autumn when the plant’s active growth phase slows. To begin, the entire mature clump must be carefully lifted from the ground using a garden fork or spade, taking care to minimize damage to the root system.
Once the clump is out of the soil, the foliage should be cut back severely, reducing the leaves by about half or even down to 12 inches. This helps the new division manage water loss and reduces stress during re-establishment. The rhizome mass is then gently teased apart or cleanly cut into smaller sections, ensuring that each new division retains a healthy portion of the rhizome and a fan of leaves with roots attached. Discard any old or diseased sections. Plant the new divisions at the same soil depth as the original plant before watering thoroughly to settle the soil.
Propagation by Seed
Growing Kangaroo Paw from seed is the method of choice for raising true species or for those interested in developing new hybrids, as seeds from cultivated varieties often do not produce plants identical to the parent. Anigozanthos seeds possess a natural dormancy that must be overcome to encourage germination. A common technique involves pre-treating the seeds by soaking them in hot water for up to 24 hours to soften the hard outer seed coat, a process known as scarification.
A more effective treatment, which mimics the natural fire cues of the Australian environment, is the use of smoke water, which enhances germination rates significantly. After treatment, seeds should be sown thinly on the surface of a well-draining, sandy seed-starting mix. Lightly covering the seeds with a fine layer of sand or vermiculite helps secure them. The medium should be kept consistently moist but not saturated. Germination can take several weeks, and the process is typically started in autumn or winter, utilizing cooler temperatures.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Propagation by stem cuttings is a practical method for cloning specific, non-clumping hybrid cultivars that do not divide well or grow true from seed. The process begins with the selection of a healthy, non-flowering stem tip, ideally about four to six inches in length. Using a sharp, sterilized blade, an angled cut is made just below a leaf node, which is where roots are most likely to form.
The lower leaves are then carefully removed from the cutting to prevent them from rotting once planted, leaving only a few leaves at the top to facilitate photosynthesis. Dipping the cut end into a powdered or gel rooting hormone is recommended to stimulate faster and more reliable root development. The prepared cutting is then inserted into a sterile, well-aerated rooting medium, such as a mix of coarse sand and perlite, ensuring the medium is kept moist and in a warm area away from direct sunlight.
Essential Care After Propagation
The period immediately following propagation is the most sensitive for the new Kangaroo Paw plants, requiring specific care to ensure establishment. Newly divided plants or potted cuttings should be placed in a protected location, ideally receiving bright, indirect light, to recover from the initial stress. The soil must be kept consistently moist for the first few weeks, but avoid waterlogging, which can quickly lead to root rot.
For seedlings, once they have developed their second set of true leaves, they can be carefully transplanted from the seed tray into individual, small pots filled with a native-specific, low-phosphorus potting mix. Divisions and rooted cuttings can be moved to their permanent position in the garden once new, vigorous growth is clearly visible. This signals a developed root system and successful establishment.