A choice shrub clothed in silvery-white woolly foliage and soft lilac-blue flowers in spring. A standout silver feature for hot, dry, perfectly drained positions, often grafted.
At a glance
- Plant type: Shrub
- Mature size: 1.5 m H × 1.5 m W
- Aspect: full sun
- Water: very drought tolerant once established
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: moderate maintenance
- Origin: Australian native
About Silky Eremophila
Eremophila nivea is a moderate-growing shrub in the Scrophulariaceae family, native to Western Australia. It reaches around 1.5 m tall and 1.5 m wide at maturity, with evergreen and silver-grey foliage. Purple and blue flowers appear in winter and spring.
Where to grow Silky Eremophila
Silky Eremophila suits Mediterranean, arid and semi-arid 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 a sought-after collector's plant.
Soil & planting
Silky Eremophila 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
Silky Eremophila handles dry conditions well once established. As an Australian native, feed it only with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser. New plantings need closer moisture checks in hot or windy weather, with watering tapered once strong new growth appears.
Pruning & care
Prune Silky Eremophila after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. For most gardens, it is moderate maintenance.
Using Silky Eremophila in the garden
Silky Eremophila earns its place for a feature or specimen planting, drawing nectar-feeding birds into the garden 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
Silky Eremophila sits most comfortably beside plants adapted to dry conditions once established and Mediterranean 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 Silky Eremophila
Plant Sale lists Silky Eremophila as tube stock and potted plants. Use the quote builder above to ask about current stock, sizes and pricing.
