An outback survivor built for heat and drought, with tubular nectar flowers loved by honeyeaters. One of the most reliable natives for hot, dry, low-water gardens.
At a glance
- Plant type: Shrub
- Mature size: 1.2 m tall
- Aspect: full sun
- Water: very drought tolerant once established
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Australian native
About Tar Bush
Botanically, Eremophila glabra is a moderate-growing shrub in the Scrophulariaceae family, native to Australia. It reaches around 1.2 m tall at maturity, with evergreen and silver-grey foliage. Red, orange and yellow flowers appear for much of the year.
Where to grow Tar Bush
Tar 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
Most soils suit Tar Bush provided drainage is reasonable. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Tar 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 Tar Bush after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Tar Bush in the garden
Tar Bush earns its place for drawing nectar-feeding birds into the garden and a feature or specimen planting.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Tar 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.