Eremophila

Eremophila, affectionately called the “emu bush,” is a genus of hardy and diverse plants native to Australia. Renowned for their stunning flowers, sometimes silvery foliage, and biodiversity resources,

Eremophila species have become favourites for landscape designers and gardeners looking to create vibrant, drought-tolerant landscapes.

This article explores the characteristics, growing habits, care tips, and many uses of Eremophila plants, helping you bring a touch of Australian beauty to your garden. We’ll also touch on two of the best cultivars ever bred.

Characteristics

Eremophila includes well over 200 species, each showcasing its own unique charm. These evergreen shrubs come in various sizes, from low and spreading groundcovers to upright shrubs.

Their narrow, often silvery-green leaves create a striking backdrop for their vibrant flowers, which bloom in an impressive array of colours such as red, purple, pink, orange, and yellow. Many Eremophila flowers are tubular, making them highly attractive to birds and certain native pollinating insects.

One of the most appealing features of Eremophila is its drought tolerance. These tough plants endure Australia’s arid conditions with ease, thriving in areas where few other plants can survive. Their stunning flowers and low-maintenance needs make them a practical and ornamental addition to any outdoor space.

Their weakness tends to be heavier soils and humidity, which aren’t present in their natural range of WA. However, two cultivated varieties have been bred to thrive in the moderate humidity and heavy soils typical of many east coast landscapes. We’ll discuss these later in the article.

Uses in Landscaping

Eremophilas are versatile and suitable for a wide range of landscape applications:

Low Maintenance Gardens
Their drought tolerance and minimal care needs make Eremophilas an excellent choice for waterwise or low-maintenance gardens. Simply coppice every few years for natural shape; though, they respond well to manicured hedging as well.

Wildlife Attraction
The tubular flowers attract nectar-feeding birds such as honeyeaters, along with bees, making Eremophila perfect for wildlife-friendly spaces.

Erosion Control
Low-growing varieties like Blue Horizon™ Eremophila are ideal for stabilising sandy or sloped areas prone to erosion.

Coastal Gardens
Many species tolerate saline soils and coastal weather, making them ideal plants for seaside landscapes.

Ideal Growing Conditions

Eremophila plants are ideally suited to Australia’s hot, dry climate. They thrive in sunny positions with sandy soil and require minimal water once established, making them perfect for waterwise gardens. While most species prefer full sun, some can tolerate partial shade, especially in areas with very high heat.

These plants are also frost-tolerant, with many species capable of enduring light frosts in cooler regions. However, good drainage is essential, as Eremophilas are not fond of heavy soils, particularly when they get waterlogged. This is why we don’t see them on the east coast very often.

Soil and Substrates

Eremophilas are remarkably adaptable to different soil types, from sandy and gravelly soils to red loams and even heavier clays. To ensure the best results, focus on creating well-drained conditions:

Sandy or Gravelly Areas
These plants naturally flourish in well-draining soils with low fertility. Mulching with coarse gravel can retain moisture and improve root insulation, though it can attract heat in sunny positions which can cook the roots, so beware of gravelly mulches.

Clay or Compacted Soil
While some Eremophilas tolerate heavier soils, consider amending clay with gypsum and compost to improve drainage and aeration. Very few emu bushes can survive in heavier soils long-term, particularly away from their natural Western Australian Mediterranean climatic conditions.

Potted Plants
When growing Eremophila in containers, choose (or blend your own) plant potting mix with added grit or coarse sand to mimic natural conditions. No need to use so-called “native” substrates as these are generally for Proteaceae family members.

Care Tips

Caring for Eremophila is delightfully simple, making it suitable for gardeners of all levels. Below are some tips to keep your plants looking their best:

Watering
Eremophilas are drought-tolerant once established. Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between applications. Overwatering can be harmful, so err on the side of caution.

Fertilising
These plants thrive in nutrient-poor soil and generally don’t require fertiliser. If needed, a slow-release, low-phosphorous fertiliser for natives can be applied in spring.

Pruning
Pruning helps maintain shape and encourage fresh growth. It’s best to prune after flowering, cutting back lightly to avoid damaging newer wood. Coppice shrubs to the base every few years to encourage dense foliage and a naturalistic shape.

Ground cover varieties very rarely, if ever, need pruning. However, feel free to manicure shapes with a hedge trimmer if you’re after the “neat and tidy” look (which seems to be going out of fashion).

Pest Management
Eremophilas are hardy and rarely affected by pests. However, occasional issues with scale or aphids can be managed with a natural soap spray or white oil. Building biodiversity encourages beneficial insects and animals that feed upon such pests, controlling their populations.

Mulching
Applying a layer of organic chunky mulch around the base not only retains moisture but also prevents competition from weeds.

Eremophila Species Cultivated in Australia

With so many species to choose from, here are a few popular Eremophilas that are widely cultivated in Australian gardens:

Eremophila maculata (Spotted Emu Bush)
Known for its brightly coloured flowers with spotted throats, this species is a standout in arid and semi-arid gardens. Its diversity in flower colours, ranging from red and pink to purple and yellow, makes it a versatile choice.

Eremophila glabra (Tar Bush)
This easy-going species offers variable foliage and flower colours, thriving in coastal and inland areas alike. Its hardy and bird-attracting nature offers both practical and ornamental benefits.

Eremophila nivea (Silky Eremophila)
One of the most striking species, this plant features silvery, soft-textured foliage and vivid purple flowers. Silky Eremophila is ideal for creating contrast and adding softness to a garden design.

Blue Horizon™

Eremophila glabra prostrate ‘EREM1’ PBR

Blue Horizon™ Eremophila is a stunning and versatile groundcover that brings an eye-catching touch of colour and texture to Australian gardens. With its tidy blue-grey foliage and cheerful yellow flowers in winter, this variety offers both aesthetic appeal and practical benefits for landscaping.

Characteristics

Blue Horizon™ Eremophila is a prostrate variety of Eremophila glabra, reaching just 25 cm in height but spreading up to 1 metre wide, making it a perfect choice for groundcover. Its dense growth habit ensures minimal gaps, creating a lush and uniform appearance.

The foliage displays a beautiful blue-grey hue, which pairs wonderfully with its bright yellow winter blooms, adding seasonal interest to your designs.

Ideal Growing Conditions

This hardy plant thrives in full sun to light shade, making it highly flexible for various planting positions.

It prefers free-draining soil but can tolerate heavier soils in drier climates, demonstrating its adaptability across different environments. Blue Horizon™ Eremophila is drought-tolerant, requiring only minimal watering once established, which makes it ideal for Australian gardens where water conservation is a priority.

Care Tips

Blue Horizon™ Eremophila is incredibly low maintenance. After planting, water regularly for the first 8-13 weeks to help it establish a strong root system. Once settled, it requires minimal attention:

• Use a slow-release fertiliser in spring if needed to encourage healthy growth.
• Mulch with chunky organic mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• To maintain a manicured appearance, hedge prune the plant in autumn or spring every 2-3 years. Otherwise, it can be left to grow naturally for a more informal look.

Uses in Landscaping

This variety is a fantastic choice for mass/mixed plantings, low borders, or even as a feature in native gardens. Its dense growth provides effective groundcover, helping to suppress weeds and stabilise soil.

Its blue-grey foliage and bright winter flowers also create a beautiful contrast when planted alongside other natives or drought-tolerant species. Whether you’re designing a coastal, suburban, or arid-themed garden, Blue Horizon™ is a versatile option that thrives across Southern and Eastern Australia, including regions of SA, WA, VIC, and Sydney.

Thriver™

Eremophila spp ‘EREM01’ PBR Intended Trade Name 

Thriver™ Eremophila is an exceptional choice for gardeners seeking a colourful and hardy plant that performs well in a variety of climates. This vibrant shrub, known for its stunning dark fuchsia flowers and year-round appeal, is a versatile and low-maintenance addition to Australian landscapes.

Characteristics

Thriver™ Eremophila is a robust shrub that reaches up to 1.5 metres high and wide, offering both height and spread to Australian garden designs. With dense growth and vividly coloured flowers, it brings a lively presence to any outdoor space.

Its striking dark fuchsia blooms appear primarily in spring and early autumn, although the plant provides bursts of colour throughout the year.

Its hardy and drought-tolerant nature, combined with its ability to withstand different climates, makes it a robust choice for gardens across Australia. Regular light pruning can even reduce its size to a compact 700 mm x 700 mm, making it flexible for both larger and smaller spaces.

Ideal Growing Conditions

Thriver™ Eremophila loves full sun but also adapts well to part shade, giving designers more flexibility in planting locations. It tolerates a wide array of soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils, as long as it doesn’t sit in wet feet for too long.

This drought-tolerant variety requires minimal water once established, making it an excellent choice for Australian climates known for dry spells. It can integrate seamlessly into gardens in NSW, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania, and even parts of Queensland which is almost unheard of for an emu bush.

Care Tips

Easy to care for, Thriver™ Eremophila suits gardeners of all skill levels. To ensure it reaches its full potential:

• Water consistently during the establishment phase, after which the plant will rarely need additional watering.
• Prune lightly after flowering in spring and again in early autumn to encourage a neat, dense form. For a more natural look, pruning every few years is sufficient.
• A slow-release (preferably organic) fertiliser in spring can give a boost, especially if planted in nutrient-poor soils.

Uses in Landscaping

Thriver™ Eremophila shines as a feature shrub, informal hedge, or colourful addition to Australian-themed landscapes. Its dense growth and bright flowers provide visual interest, while its hardiness makes it perfect for creating resilient low windbreaks, feeding pollinators, and filling raised garden beds.

It works beautifully in container plantings, offering a vibrant pop of colour for patios or balconies. Its versatility ensures it stands out in both large-scale landscaping projects and smaller, more intimate gardens.

Emu Bush

The term “emu bush” is the common name affectionately given to plants in the Eremophila genus. This name is believed to have originated from the traditional observation that emus consume the fruits of these native shrubs, playing a role in the natural dispersal of their seeds.

The connection to this iconic Australian bird further ties the plant to Australian heritage and culture, making it a significant botanical symbol of the country’s natural landscape.

How to Encourage More Flowers

While Eremophilas are prolific bloomers, a little extra care can enhance their flowering potential. Here’s how to encourage glorious displays:

Sunlight
Ensure plants receive full sun to maximise flower production and overall vigour. Part sun is appropriate for some varieties if stated on the label.

Pruning
Light pruning after flowering encourages denser growth and more flower buds for the next season.

Minimal Fertiliser
Avoid over-fertilising, as these plants thrive in low-nutrient conditions. Excessive nutrients can encourage foliage at the expense of flowers. Don’t worry about “native” fertilisers; these plants would prefer a regular amount of Phosphorous lie most plants outside the Proteaceae family.

Mulching and Watering
Mulch with organic material (without burying stems) to retain moisture and prevent weed competition. Water sparingly during dry spells to keep the plant healthy, avoiding constant wet feet.

Australian Native Plants Society

The Australian Native Plants Society (ANPS) plays a vital role in promoting the use, cultivation, and conservation of Australia’s remarkable native flora, including plants like Eremophila.

By encouraging gardeners, landscapers, and communities to appreciate and incorporate natives into their green spaces, the ANPS fosters a deeper connection with Australia’s unique natural heritage.

Through the society’s extensive educational programs, members and the wider public gain invaluable knowledge about native plants, their care, and their environmental benefits.

Workshops, field trips, and plant sales organised by the ANPS offer gardeners the chance to learn hands-on about propagating and growing species such as Eremophila, which are prized for their drought tolerance and contribution to biodiversity.

The ANPS also contributes to important research on native plant species, ensuring their long-term conservation through better understanding of their growing habits, ecological roles, and resilience in changing climates.

Their work often extends to developing partnerships with local councils, schools, and community groups to help introduce native-focused gardens and projects, making native plants more accessible and widely appreciated.

For gardeners passionate about creating sustainable and vibrant landscapes, the Australian Native Plants Society is a fantastic resource. It not only offers inspiration but also a platform for sharing experiences, exchanging tips, and celebrating the beauty and resilience of native plants such as Eremophila.

Whether you’re a novice gardener excited to start your first project or an experienced horticulturist, the ANPS invites everyone to participate in preserving and celebrating Australia’s floral treasures.

Daniel’s Wrap

Eremophila is a true icon of Australian gardens, beloved for its adaptability, beauty, and ease of care. Whether you’re a novice gardener or a seasoned horticulturist, adding Eremophilas to your garden guarantees vibrant flowers, hardy growth, and a welcoming habitat for wildlife.

With so many stunning varieties to choose from (especially in WA), there’s an Eremophila to suit almost every garden style and location.