How to grow catspaw
Overview
Catspaw is a compact, clumping herbaceous perennial in the Haemodoraceae family, grown for its distinctive furry, claw-like flowers in shades of yellow, orange, and red. It thrives in full sun and sharply drained soil, making it ideal for pots, rockeries, and sunny borders where its low, spreading habit fills gaps without becoming invasive.
Varieties
- Anigozanthos humilis 'Bush Pearl' — A compact, free-flowering form with soft pink flowers, ideal for pots and small gardens.
- Anigozanthos humilis 'Bush Gold' — Vibrant golden-yellow flowers on a tidy clump, very drought-tolerant once established.
- Anigozanthos humilis 'Bush Emerald' — Unusual green-tipped flowers with a red base; a standout in mixed native borders.
Soil Preparation
Catspaw needs sharply draining soil with a pH of 5.5–6.5; amend heavy clay with coarse sand, gravel, or decomposed granite to 30 cm depth. Add a small handful of slow-release native fertiliser at planting, but avoid compost or manure, which can retain moisture and cause crown rot.
Growing Guide
Plant catspaw in full sun with at least 6 hours of direct light daily. Space clumps 30–40 cm apart in free-draining sandy or gravelly loam; avoid clay or poorly drained sites. Dig a hole twice the width of the pot, backfill with native potting mix, and water in once. Do not bury the crown — keep it at or slightly above soil level. In cooler zones, wait until after the last frost to plant out; in subtropical areas, autumn planting is best.
Sowing
Sow seed in autumn or spring at 2–3 mm depth in a sandy seed-raising mix; germination takes 14–28 days at 20–25°C. Do not bury deeply — light aids germination. Transplant seedlings when 5–8 cm tall, but note that plants from division or tissue culture are more reliable and flower sooner.
Care
Feed with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser (e.g., 1:1:2 ratio) in early spring and again after flowering finishes. Cut spent flower stems right back to the base to encourage new fans and keep the plant tidy. Avoid high-phosphorus lawn foods, which can burn roots and cause yellowing.
Companion Planting
Pair catspaw with other low-water natives like Grevillea, Scaevola, and Westringia for a bird-attracting, drought-tolerant border. Avoid planting near heavy feeders or plants that need constant moisture, such as ferns or impatiens, as wet crowns cause rot.
Common Pests & Risks
Ink spot (a fungal disease) appears as black blotches on leaves, especially in humid or wet conditions; improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering. Snails and slugs chew young flower stems and leaves; control with iron-based baits or hand-picking at dusk. Scale insects may occasionally cluster on stems — treat with horticultural oil or a soft brush.
Troubleshooting
Yellowing leaves: often from overwatering or high-phosphorus fertiliser — let soil dry out and switch to native feed. Brown leaf tips: caused by dry air or salt buildup — water with rainwater and mulch lightly. No flowers: usually from too much shade or overfeeding — move to full sun and stop feeding until next season. Crown rot: soft, mushy centre — dig out and discard; improve drainage and avoid wetting the crown.