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. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Silky Eremophila 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 Silky Eremophila after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall 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
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Silky Eremophila with other plants that enjoy the same very drought tolerant and Mediterranean 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 Silky Eremophila
Plant Sale lists Silky Eremophila 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 it is available.