Anigozanthos humilis x flavidus 'Bush Bonanza'

Bush Bonanza Kangaroo Paw

Botanical Name: Anigozanthos humilis x flavidus 'Bush Bonanza' PBR (syn. 'Rambubona')
Family: Haemodoraceae
Origin: Australian hybrid (Bush Gems series; WA species cross)
Plant Type: Evergreen clumping perennial

Overview

A hardened favourite from the Bush Gems Kangaroo Paw series, Anigozanthos 'Bush Bonanza' has stood the test of time for very good reason. Its outstanding combination of large, bright golden-yellow velvety flowers on strong upright orange-red stems creates a striking two-tone display that is bold, long-lasting and irresistible to honeyeaters. Flowers are described as "indeterminate" — opening sequentially over an extended period so that older blooms hold their colour while new ones continue to open, producing more colour in every display for longer.
Slightly taller than 'Bush Zest' and with stronger, more upright stems, 'Bush Bonanza' brings a bit more presence to the border or pot and is particularly well suited to combination planting and cut flower use. Drought and frost tolerant once established, it thrives in Adelaide's dry Mediterranean climate and excels where summers are warm and drainage is excellent. One of the most reliable and rewarding compact Kangaroo Paws available for South Australian gardens.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 0.5–0.6 m H (foliage clump) x 0.4–0.5 m W; flower scapes rise to approximately 0.6–1.0 m above the clump on strong upright stems
• Growth Rate: Moderate; 10–20 cm per year; bushy, upright clumping habit
• Foliage: Dark green, narrow strap-like leaves in a compact upright clump; attractive structural foliage useful in cut arrangements; evergreen year-round
• Flowers: Large, bright golden-yellow velvety tubular flowers on strong upright orange-red haired stems; indeterminate flowering — older flowers hold colour while new ones continue opening for an extended display; peak flowering spring through early summer with a secondary flush in autumn; excellent long-lasting cut flowers; nectar-rich and highly attractive to honeyeaters
• Fragrance: Not fragrant
• Seasonal Interest: Clean upright dark green foliage year-round; bold golden-yellow and orange-red flower display from spring through summer; secondary autumn flush; remove spent scapes to stimulate new buds throughout the season
• Wildlife Value: Outstanding — nectar-rich tubular flowers attract honeyeaters and nectar-feeding birds throughout the extended flowering season
• Tolerance: Drought-tolerant once established; heat-tolerant; frost tolerant (light to moderate); coastal-tolerant; wind-tolerant; dislikes humidity and waterlogging; thrives in Adelaide's dry Mediterranean climate; avoid mulching up to the stem which causes crown rot
• Planting Density: Border/edging: 3–4 plants per metre (30–40 cm spacing); mass planting: 4–6 plants per m² (40–50 cm spacing); excellent in containers (25 cm+)
• Pet Friendly: Non-toxic to cats and dogs

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun; essential for best flowering, most compact habit and strongest colour; tolerates very light part shade; avoid shaded positions which reduce flowering and encourage leggy growth
• Soil: Light, free-draining sandy or loamy soils essential; avoid heavy clay and waterlogged soils; tolerates poor, low-fertility soils; do not mulch up to the stem
• Water Needs: Establishment: moderate watering for first 8–12 weeks. Established: low; deep soak every 2–3 weeks in summer; minimal to no watering in cooler months; drought-adapted once established in Adelaide's dry conditions
• Maintenance: Remove spent flower scapes promptly to stimulate new buds and extend the season; cut back the whole clump hard to ground level if it becomes untidy — it will reshoot vigorously from the rhizome; feed with a low-phosphorus native slow-release fertiliser 2–3 times per year; avoid high-phosphorus fertilisers; keep mulch away from the crown
• Lifespan: 3–7 years; dwarf hybrids are shorter-lived than tall species but flower prolifically throughout their life; refresh by dividing or replacing clumps as needed
• Climate Zones: Excellent across all Adelaide zones; Adelaide Plains, coastal suburbs, foothills and inland SA; one of the hardiest and most adaptable dwarf Kangaroo Paws for SA's dry Mediterranean climate
• Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral preferred (pH 6.0–7.0); avoid phosphorus-rich soils

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Garden border and mixed planting feature where the bold golden-yellow flowers on striking orange-red stems create a warm two-tone display that lifts the whole bed from spring through summer
• Mass planting in native and water-wise garden beds for long-season colour, weed suppression and year-round bird activity with minimal maintenance
• Cut flower garden — the large, long-lasting golden stems are outstanding in fresh floral arrangements and among the best Kangaroo Paws for vase life; foliage also useful in arrangements
• Container specimen for patios, courtyards and alfresco areas where the upright habit and vivid flower colour can be appreciated up close
• Combine with 'Bush Zest' for a complementary yellow palette, or with red and orange Bush Gems varieties for a bold, warm-toned native garden display

Why You Will Love It

'Bush Bonanza' is a Kangaroo Paw that has genuinely earned its enduring popularity. The big, bold golden-yellow flowers on those strong orange-red stems are a wonderful sight in the garden, they last exceptionally well as cut flowers, and the extended indeterminate flowering means the display just keeps going. Hardy, drought-tough and wildly attractive to honeyeaters, it is a standout native perennial for Adelaide gardens of any style.