How to grow emu bush
Overview
Emu bush (Eremophila glabra) is a fast-growing Australian native shrub or groundcover, valued for its soft grey-green foliage and abundant tubular flowers in yellow, orange, or red. It thrives in poor, well-drained soils and full sun, making it an excellent choice for low-water gardens and erosion control.
Varieties
- Eremophila glabra 'Murchison River' — A prostrate form with grey foliage and red-orange flowers, excellent for groundcover.
- Eremophila glabra 'Kalbarri' — Upright shrub to 1.5 m with yellow flowers, very drought-tolerant.
- Eremophila glabra 'Silver Flame' — Compact, silver-leaved with bright orange flowers, ideal for small gardens.
Soil Preparation
Emu bush prefers a neutral to slightly acidic pH (6.0–7.0) in a sandy or gravelly soil with sharp drainage. If your soil is heavy clay, amend with coarse sand or gravel to 50% volume before planting. Avoid adding any organic matter or compost; it thrives in lean conditions.
Growing Guide
Plant emu bush in full sun in a free-draining sandy or gravelly soil. Space plants 1–1.5 m apart for groundcover or 0.5–0.8 m for a compact shrub. Dig a hole twice the width of the pot, backfill with native soil, and water in well. Apply a light mulch of gravel or pebbles to keep the root zone dry. Avoid heavy organic mulches and overwatering, especially in winter.
Care
Feed sparingly with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser in early spring. Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness. Remove spent flowers to prolong the display. Do not fertilise in summer or autumn.
Companion Planting
Pair emu bush with other dry-climate natives such as Grevillea, Hakea, and Westringia. Avoid planting near moisture-loving plants like ferns or impatiens, as they will compete poorly. In a mixed native bed, combine with Eucalyptus or Acacia for a cohesive Australian look.
Common Pests & Risks
Emu bush is generally pest-free. Occasionally, scale insects or aphids may appear on new growth; treat with a horticultural oil spray. Root rot (Phytophthora) can occur in waterlogged soils, so ensure excellent drainage. No other serious pests are common in Australian gardens.
Troubleshooting
Yellow leaves: overwatering or poor drainage — reduce water and improve soil. Brown leaf tips: salt burn from fertiliser — stop feeding and flush soil. Leggy growth: too much shade — move to full sun. Sparse flowering: over-fertilising with high-phosphorus products — switch to native fertiliser. Dieback in wet winter: root rot — ensure drainage and avoid watering.