Few perennials pack as much punch as kangaroo paws (Anigozanthos). The Australian native bears fuzzy, tubular flowers with curved tips — the source of the plant’s name — in bold colors like gold, burgundy, pink, and lime green atop stems up to 5 feet tall.

In Lindsay Short’s garden in Rancho Santa Fe, kangaroo paws serve as stunning focal points in island beds surrounded by lawn. Shown at left is red ‘Bush Sunset’, which blooms from spring through fall. For even more drama and color, she added a dwarf pomegranate with red-orange flowers; orange-yellow ‘Marmalade’ alstroemeria; and, to its left, Coprosma ‘Roy’s Red’, a conical shrub with small, glossy red-brown leaves.

Short enjoys another benefit of kangaroo paws: “Hummingbirds absolutely love them,” she says. “The nectar must be exceptionally sweet.”

Kangaroo paws thrive in Southern California’s coastal and inland areas ( Sunset climate zones 15–24). They prefer full sun, regular water, and well-drained, sandy soil. Remove spent stalks to encourage repeat bloom.