Anigozanthos ‘Bush Fire’ (Kangaroo Paw)

Anigozanthos ‘Bush Fire’ is a vibrant Australian native perennial valued for its striking red flowers and long flowering season. It is widely used in native gardens, borders, and feature planting where bold colour and wildlife attraction are desired.

The plant produces upright flower stems topped with velvety tubular flowers in intense red tones, often with darker accents. The flowers are held above clumps of narrow, strap-like green foliage, creating a dramatic display.

Key Features

‘Bush Fire’ is known for its vivid flower colour and prolific flowering habit.

The flowers attract birds and pollinators, particularly nectar-feeding species.

It provides strong vertical colour and texture in garden designs.

Growth Habit and Size

This variety grows as a clumping perennial with upright flowering stems.

It typically reaches 80 cm to 1.2 metres in height during flowering, with a spread of approximately 50 to 80 cm. Growth rate is moderate.

Care Requirements

Light

Requires full sun for best flowering and plant health.

Watering

Requires regular watering during establishment. Once established, it prefers moderate watering.

Avoid excessive watering, especially in humid conditions.

Soil

Prefers very well-draining soil and performs best in sandy or free-draining conditions.

Temperature and Climate

Suitable for temperate to warm climates. Tolerates heat and dry conditions but may be affected by heavy frost or excessive humidity.

Maintenance

Low to moderate maintenance. Remove spent flower stems to encourage continued flowering.

Divide clumps every few years if required.

Avoid overwatering and ensure good airflow around the plant.

Common Issues

Poor drainage may lead to root or crown rot.

Fungal issues can occur in humid conditions.

Reduced flowering may occur in shade.

Applications

Anigozanthos ‘Bush Fire’ is suitable for:

Native gardens
Feature planting
Borders and mass planting
Bird-attracting gardens
Cut flower gardens
Low-maintenance landscapes

Its bright flowers create strong visual impact.

Specification and Care Chart

Attribute	Details
Botanical Name	Anigozanthos hybrid ‘Bush Fire’
Common Name	Bush Fire Kangaroo Paw
Plant Type	Evergreen perennial
Mature Height	80 cm to 1.2 m
Growth Habit	Clumping, upright flowering stems
Growth Rate	Moderate
Light Conditions	Full sun
Direct Sunlight	Required
Watering Frequency	Moderate once established
Soil Type	Very well-draining, sandy
Drainage Requirement	Essential
Temperature Range	Temperate to warm
Frost Tolerance	Low to light frost
Drought Tolerance	Moderate to high
Maintenance Level	Low to moderate
Fertiliser	Low-phosphorus native fertiliser
Toxicity	Not commonly regarded as toxic