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. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Kalgoorlie Emu Bush is very drought tolerant once established, so once its roots are down it needs little supplementary water. As an Australian native, feed it only with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Prune Kalgoorlie Emu Bush after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is low maintenance.
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 a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Kalgoorlie Emu Bush with other plants that enjoy the same very drought tolerant and arid and semi-arid climate. Repeat it through a border to tie the planting together and give a sense of rhythm. 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. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment it is available.