A rounded arid-zone shrub with spotted tubular flowers in red, pink, orange or yellow that feed honeyeaters through the cooler months. Exceptionally tough in heat and drought.
At a glance
- Plant type: Shrub
- Mature size: 2 m H × 2 m W
- Aspect: full sun
- Water: very drought tolerant once established
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Australian native
About Spotted Emu Bush
Eremophila maculata is a moderate-growing shrub in the Scrophulariaceae family, native to Australia. It reaches around 2 m tall and 2 m wide at maturity, with evergreen foliage. Red, pink and orange flowers appear for much of the year.
Where to grow Spotted Emu Bush
Spotted 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 is usually left alone by rabbits.
Soil & planting
Spotted Emu Bush does best in free-draining, sandy and alkaline soil. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Spotted Emu Bush handles dry conditions well once established. As an Australian native, feed it only with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser. For the first year, favour occasional deep watering over frequent shallow drinks so roots move into the surrounding soil.
Pruning & care
Prune Spotted Emu Bush after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. For most gardens, maintenance is low maintenance.
Using Spotted Emu Bush in the garden
Spotted Emu Bush earns its place for drawing nectar-feeding birds into the garden, a feature or specimen planting and pots and courtyard containers. It is equally at home in the ground or a large pot on a balcony or courtyard.
Companion planting & design
Spotted Emu Bush sits most comfortably beside plants adapted to very drought tolerant and arid and semi-arid climate. A small cluster gives stronger visual impact than isolated plants scattered through the garden. It combines naturally with other Australian natives in a habitat or water-wise garden.
Buying Spotted Emu Bush
Plant Sale lists Spotted Emu Bush as tube stock and potted plants. Availability is confirmed when you request a quote; use the panel above to register interest.
