Black Kangaroo Paw
The Black Kangaroo Paw, or Macropidia fuliginosa, is a rare and striking Australian native plant, renowned for its unique black, green, and yellow flowers.
Although it shares similarities with the more common Anigozanthos species (also known as Kangaroo Paws), Macropidia fuliginosa is a distinct species and can be slightly more challenging to grow.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to growing this captivating plant successfully in your garden.
Black Kangaroo Paw – Macropidia fuliginosa Overview
The Black Kangaroo Paw is an evergreen perennial that forms clumps, with slender, blue-green leaves growing up to 50 cm tall.
The plant’s flowers, which appear on long stems up to 1 meter in height, begin as black, furry buds that open to pale green blooms, creating a striking contrast against the dark buds.
Flowering typically occurs from winter through late summer.
The foliage is fan-shaped with strappy leaves, and the flowers emerge well above the leaves on wiry stems. Native to the coastal regions of Western Australia, north of Perth, Macropidia fuliginosa thrives in dry, well-drained soils and full sun.
Found naturally in near coastal areas of Western Australia north of Perth, the ‘Black Kangaroo Paw’ require a very well drained soil and does not do well in humid conditions.
How To Grow Macropidia fuliginosa – Basic Care
You can grow this fascinating plant in a rock garden, a container with a very free draining potting mix or in the garden.
Poor drainage which quickly leads to root rot can be a problem. Heavy frosts and long cold winters are also not suitable.
The plant pictured is growing in the Dandenong ranges outside of Melbourne and has been for 5 years, this isn how we grow Macropidia fuliginosa successfully.
- We grow this plant in a container so that it can be overwintered under cover. This prevents the colder temperatures and high rainfall from causing root problems. It is on a verandah where it still gets a good amount of sun.
- From mid spring to autumn it is in full sun.
- It grows in an exposed position where it gets good air flow to help lower humidity.
- You could try growing it in a rock garden or crevice garden, however in colder climates we can not recommend that.
- The potting mix we use is a 50% normal potting mix and 50% cactus and succulent potting mix to provide good drainage from spring through to autumn when the plant is fully exposed to the elements.
- We have a layer of 1/4- gravel to improve drainage around the base of the plant.
- In winter we water just a little, every 3 – 4 weeks.
- We fertilise with a light application of blood and bone early each spring. An annual application of a native plant fertiliser each spring as well has proved beneficial. We use Troforte All Purpose including Natives.
- We prune away old dead foliage each spring before we take the plant from under cover.
This is a plant that does not like humidity, so good air flow is important.
How to Grow Black Kangaroo Paw Plants
We suggest growing the Black Kangaroo Paw in a 30 cm (12 inch) pot, or a very well drained soil.
A position in full sun is important.
- Use a good quality free draining potting mix.
- A little slow release native plant fertiliser mixed in can be beneficial.
- Plant and water in.
- Mulch around the plant gravel.
- Only water when the soil drys a little.
Water the soil not the foliage, and do not over water. Grow in full sun, and provide protection from frost, try to keep dry in winter, a position on a sunny the patio could be ideal. Well worth a try as they are spectacular.
Problems with growing the Black Kangaroo Paw include:
- Lack of sun: Insufficient sunlight can prevent the plant from flowering and cause poor growth.
- Overwatering: Overwatering can lead to root rot, especially in humid or poorly-drained conditions.
- Poor air flow: Inadequate air circulation can cause the plant to suffer from fungal infections or rot.
- Wet soils: Poor drainage or wet conditions can damage the root system.
- Cold Wet Winters: These conditions can cause root problems and disease.
Macropidia fuliginosa – Key Information
- Common Name – Black Kangaroo Paw
- Botanical Name – Macropidia fuliginosa
- Soil – Very well drained.
- Position – Part shade to full sun.
- Foliage – Grey green.
- Flowers – Black and green to yellow.
- Flowering time – Spring to summer
- Growth Rate – Medium.
- Height – To 1 metre.
- Spread – Clump forming over time to 1 metre.
- Root system – Non invasive.
- Frost tolerant – No however it tends to recover from light frosts.
- Drought tolerant – Yes
- Pruning – Frost damaged plants can be pruned back. Dead foliage should be removed to improve air circulation.
