Eremophila is a large genus of over 200 species, from the arid and semi-arid regions of Australia. They are a significant group of horticultural plants that are particularly ornamental and extremely tough in hot & dry environments, but their lack of use is probably from a lack of information and availability. Eremophila is derived from the Greek Eremos – meaning desert and Philos – meaning love, therefore often known as desert loving plants. The common name widely used is Emu Bush, but they have also been named Poverty Bush, Turkey Bush and Native Fuchsia. Used in Aboriginal culture.

GROWTH FORM & HABIT

Eremophila species are extremely diverse in their range of shapes, sizes and colours.

Form Variation

• Prostrate, ground covers or low shrubs
• Small to medium shrubs
• Large open shrubs to small trees

Foliage Variation

• Various shapes and sizes
• Light to dark green, sometimes with dark pink to red tinted new growth
• Grey to white, slightly hairy to wooly or scaly
• Some are sticky to touch and waxy
• Aromatic

Flower Variation

• Tubular with upper and lower lips in various shapes and sizes
• Buds can be multi coloured and very ornamental, often different from the actual opened flower colour
• Opened flowers can be one colour, blushed in various shades, bi-coloured and/or patterned
• Available in all colours

HABITAT & DISTRIBUTION

Native to Australia, Eremophila’s naturally occur in arid to semi-arid conditions throughout all of the mainland states, the majority being from Western Australia. They grow in various soil types, generally preferring pH neutral to alkaline, usually in harsh climates with very hot summers and extended dry periods. Some species naturally grow in heavy clay soils subjected to periodic flooding, while most grow in sandy, sandy loams or stony soils that are nutrient poor. Eremophila’s have adapted to survive hot, dry and harsh conditions. Generally the annual mean rainfall ranges from 200 to 400mm, most of which can often be received in several large downpours with long dry spells in between.

HORTICULTURAL USE

Eremophila’s are very ornamental plants that are now becoming more recognised as important to the garden with the following attributes:

• Flower profusely for many months, often throughout the year, in many different colours
• Many have interesting foliage and texture that look good in the landscape or garden adding structure and texture even when not in flower.
• Birds are attracted to the nectar produced by the flowers and the fleshy fruit surrounding the seeds
• Most are small to medium in size which is good for home gardens, commercial and public sites
• Heat and drought tolerant, in fact often thrive in such conditions
• Many are suitable for fresh flower arrangements

CULTIVATION

The main considerations when growing Eremophila’s is that many species, especially the hairy types, resent humid conditions which can cause fungal disease. They also do not like waterlogged soils, however there are some species, e.g. Eremophila maculata that will cope with these conditions better than others.

Other points to consider for successful cultivation:

• Plant in well drained soil, or select species that can cope with some waterlogging if this is a problem, e.g. Eremophila Summertime Blue
• Failing this they grow extremely well in pots
• For temperate or humid climates, select species that can cope with the conditions, e.g. Eremophila bignoniiflora x polyclada or grow in pots
• Position in full sun to part shade
• Most species will cope with light frost however it always helps to protect plants while young, especially the grey hairy types
• Water in new plants and continue to give a good drink once a week for the first summer then once a fortnight the second summer or until established.
• Fertilise as you would for most native plants however they generally do not required it unless the plant looks like it is lacking
• Prune back to encourage bushy growth anytime during the growing season