How to Grow Emu Bush
Eremophila spp.
Emu Bush is a drought-tolerant Australian native shrub grown for its long-lasting tubular flowers in shades of red, pink, orange, purple, or white. It thrives in full sun with excellent drainage — the worst thing you can do is overwater it or plant it in heavy, wet soil. In well-drained soil it needs virtually no irrigation once established, and little to no feeding. Use low-phosphorus fertiliser only. Hardy to around -5°C; grow in a sheltered spot in cooler climates or as a container plant that can be brought inside in winter. Prune lightly after flowering to keep it tidy.
Yearly Lifecycle
Care Essentials
Rarely needed. A light application of native plant fertiliser (low phosphorus) in spring is sufficient. Avoid high-phosphorus feeds which can be toxic.
Watch For
- Root rot (in waterlogged soil)
- Scale insects
- Caterpillars
Care Requirements
Light
Full sun
Requires full sun for best flowering and compact growth. Will tolerate light shade but becomes straggly and flowers poorly.
Watering
Very low once established; moderate when young
Water regularly for the first season to establish. Once established, water only occasionally in summer. Excellent drought tolerance. Avoid watering in winter.
Fertilizing
Low-phosphorus native fertiliser only, sparingly
Apply a low-phosphorus native plant fertiliser in spring if growth looks poor. High-phosphorus fertilisers can kill Australian natives. Usually no feeding is needed in poor, well-drained soil.
Pruning
Light trim after flowering
Prune lightly after the main flowering flush to maintain a compact shape. Avoid cutting into old, thick wood. Light annual trimming is sufficient.
Spacing
1-2m depending on species
Check the expected spread for your specific Eremophila species. Most compact varieties need 1-1.5m; larger spreading types 2-3m.
Growing Tips
Drainage is everything
Eremophilas die from root rot more than anything else. Plant in raised beds, mounds, or rocky slopes where water drains freely. Never plant in clay that stays wet.
Very low phosphorus
As an Australian native, Emu Bush is adapted to phosphorus-poor soils. High-phosphorus fertilisers can cause fatal leaf burn and root damage. Always use native-specific or low-phosphorus products.
Drought-tolerant hero
Once established (after the first season), reduce watering to occasional deep drinks in summer. Overwatering in autumn and winter is the most common cause of death.
