A low spreading emu bush with silver-grey foliage and orange-red tubular flowers that draw honeyeaters. Extremely drought-hardy and ideal for arid and coastal gardens.
At a glance
- Plant type: Shrub
- Mature size: 50 cm H × 2 m W
- Aspect: full sun
- Water: very drought tolerant once established
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Australian native
About Kalgoorlie Emu Bush
Botanically, Eremophila glabra 'Kalgoorlie' is a shrub in the Scrophulariaceae family, native to Western Australia. It reaches around 50 cm tall and 2 m wide at maturity, with evergreen and silver-grey foliage. Orange and red flowers appear for much of the year.
Where to grow Kalgoorlie Emu Bush
Kalgoorlie Emu Bush suits arid and semi-arid, Mediterranean and warm-temperate climates and grows best in full sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters. It also is a genuinely water-wise choice and tolerates salt-laden coastal winds.
Soil & planting
Kalgoorlie Emu Bush does best in free-draining, sandy and poor soil. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Kalgoorlie Emu Bush handles dry conditions well once established. As an Australian native, feed it only with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser. Check moisture below the mulch during establishment and water thoroughly when needed rather than following a rigid schedule.
Pruning & care
Prune Kalgoorlie Emu Bush after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Expect a low maintenance care workload once it is established.
Using Kalgoorlie Emu Bush in the garden
Kalgoorlie Emu Bush earns its place for drawing nectar-feeding birds into the garden, holding soil on banks and slopes and a feature or specimen planting.
Companion planting & design
For easier irrigation and care, group Kalgoorlie Emu Bush with species that also favour very drought tolerant and arid and semi-arid climate. Leave enough room for the mature spread so neighbouring plants are not crowded out. It combines naturally with other Australian natives in a habitat or water-wise garden.
Buying Kalgoorlie Emu Bush
Plant Sale lists Kalgoorlie Emu Bush as tube stock, potted plants and advanced specimens. Catalogue forms are planning guidance until the Plant Sale team confirms live availability.
