A prostrate emu bush forming a dense silver-grey mat dotted with tubular yellow-green flowers that feed honeyeaters. An extremely drought-hardy groundcover for hot, dry banks.
At a glance
- Plant type: Spreading groundcover
- Mature size: 40 cm H × 2 m W
- Aspect: full sun
- Water: very drought tolerant once established
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Australian native
About Tar Bush 'Kalbarri Carpet'
Eremophila glabra 'Kalbarri Carpet' is a spreading groundcover in the Scrophulariaceae family, native to Western Australia, South Australia and New South Wales. It reaches around 40 cm tall and 2 m wide at maturity, with evergreen and silver-grey foliage. Yellow and orange flowers appear for much of the year.
Where to grow Tar Bush 'Kalbarri Carpet'
Tar Bush 'Kalbarri Carpet' 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 is usually left alone by rabbits.
Soil & planting
Tar Bush 'Kalbarri Carpet' does best in sandy, free-draining, clay and poor soil. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Tar Bush 'Kalbarri Carpet' handles dry conditions well once established. As an Australian native, feed it only with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser. Keep a newly planted specimen evenly watered through its first season; established plants can then follow the water needs above.
Pruning & care
Prune Tar Bush 'Kalbarri Carpet' after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Its ongoing care level is low maintenance.
Using Tar Bush 'Kalbarri Carpet' in the garden
Tar Bush 'Kalbarri Carpet' earns its place for holding soil on banks and slopes, pots and courtyard containers and drawing nectar-feeding birds into the garden. It is equally at home in the ground or a large pot on a balcony or courtyard.
Companion planting & design
Build the planting around neighbours suited to the same very drought tolerant and arid and semi-arid climate as Tar Bush 'Kalbarri Carpet'. Repeating the foliage or flower colour nearby will make the composition feel deliberate. It combines naturally with other Australian natives in a habitat or water-wise garden.
Buying Tar Bush 'Kalbarri Carpet'
Plant Sale lists Tar Bush 'Kalbarri Carpet' as tube stock, potted plants and advanced specimens. Use the interest form above to check current sizes, pricing and availability before ordering.
