Divide kangaroo paw rhizomes in spring. Keep the pieces from drying, and include a growing bud on each section. Seed is slower and will not copy a named hybrid.
Divide rhizomes in spring
| Factor | Recommended | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| When | Early spring, as new fans start — or after bloom in a frost-free garden | Letting cut pieces dry on a bench |
| Piece | A rhizome section with a healthy bud and some roots | A leafless scrap with no bud |
| Aftercare | Pot or replant the same day; shade for a few weeks | Full afternoon sun on a freshly cut piece |
| Stock | A clump you own, or a nursery plant | Expecting garden seed to match a named hybrid |
Tall flavidus is easy from rhizome cuttings: cut a section with a healthy bud in the cool season and replant it promptly. [1] Divide established clumps every two or three years in spring. [2]
Can I divide kangaroo paw?
Yes. Spring is the usual window in California gardens. Cut a rhizome section that includes a growing bud, keep it from drying, and replant it the same day.
How to divide kangaroo paw
In California, early spring beats a fall split for flavidus and its hybrids. Use a sharp knife, clean off old foliage, and hold new divisions in shade for at least a few weeks. [3]
- Lift the clump or slide it from the pot. Shake soil off so you can see the rhizomes.
- Cut sections that each have a growing bud and some roots. Discard rotten pieces.
- Replant or pot the same day at the original depth. Water to settle.
- Keep new divisions out of harsh afternoon sun until new fans push.
Division vs seed — when to split a clump
Split a color form if you want the same flowers. Seed is the path for species flavidus, not for a named hybrid — those are usually tissue-cultured in the trade. [4] Sow when you want seedlings of the species — Growing Kangaroo Paw from Seed.
If you need the same flower color, divide it — do not sow a hybrid and hope the seedlings match.
FAQ
Can I root a leaf in water?
A leaf without a rhizome bud will not make a new plant. Use a rhizome section with a growing point.
When will a division bloom?
Often the first season if the piece had a strong bud and did not dry out. A weak fragment may only make leaves the first year.
Related guides
Recommended plants
References
- [1] Australian National Botanic Gardens -
https://anbg.gov.au/gnp/interns-2006/anigozanthos-flavidus.html - [2] Harvest to Table -
https://harvesttotable.com/how-to-grow-anigozanthos/ - [3] San Marcos Growers -
https://www.smgrowers.com/info/anigozanthosTalk.asp - [4] Australian Native Plants Society -
https://anpsa.org.au/plant_profiles/anigozanthos-flavidus/
This note is part of Anigozanthos Guides.
More notes on making another plant live in Propagating Guides.
Updated: Reviewed by Bosquelle Editors