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. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Spotted 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 Spotted Emu Bush after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it 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
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Spotted Emu Bush with other plants that enjoy the same very drought tolerant and arid and semi-arid climate. Group three or five together for impact rather than dotting single plants 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. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment we have it ready.