How to Grow Emu Bush
iNaturalist
Emu Bush
Eremophila longiflora
shrubEremophila longiflora, commonly known as Emu Bush, is a native Australian shrub prized for its tubular, often colorful flowers and exceptional drought tolerance. This hardy, low-maintenance plant thrives in arid and semi-arid conditions and is an excellent choice for water-wise gardens and xeriscaping. It typically grows 1-2 meters tall and produces long, slender, waxy flowers that attract birds and pollinators.
When should you plant Emu Bush in your zone?
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Example Emu Bush timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Emu Bush
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Emu Bush
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in USDA zones 9b-11; prefers warm, dry climates similar to its native Australian habitat
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Get my Emu Bush timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling/Establishment
4-8 weeksYoung plant is small with thin stems and emerging foliage; root system is developing.
Keep soil barely moist; provide bright light; use well-draining seed-raising mix. Avoid damping off by ensuring good air circulation.
Vegetative Growth
6-12 monthsPlant develops stronger stems, more numerous leaves, and fills out its form; no flowers yet.
Water sparingly; allow soil to dry between waterings. Provide full sun. Light pruning can encourage bushier growth. Avoid fertilizers high in nitrogen.
Pre-flowering
2-4 monthsPlant matures and reaches flowering size; flower buds begin to form along stems.
Continue sparse watering; reduce watering further as flowering approaches. Provide full sun exposure. Minimal pruning; avoid cutting off developing flower buds.
Flowering
6-12 weeks (can flower multiple times seasonally)Long, tubular flowers in shades of red, pink, orange, yellow, or purple appear along the stems, attracting birds.
Maintain dry conditions; water only if plant shows severe stress. Do not overwater, as this causes bud drop. Deadheading spent flowers may encourage additional blooms.
Post-flowering/Dormancy
2-4 monthsFlowering ceases; plant enters a rest phase, particularly in cooler months or dry seasons.
Minimize watering; water only if soil is very dry and plant shows wilting. Avoid fertilizing. Light pruning after flowering can shape the plant for next season.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Ensure excellent drainage; avoid overwatering; use fungal-free soil and containers; improve air circulation around the plant base
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Spray with horticultural oil or neem oil; isolate affected plants; prune heavily infested stems
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Remove by hand; apply horticultural oil; prune infested branches
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Improve air circulation; reduce humidity; spray with sulfur or fungicide in severe cases; avoid overhead watering
Uses
Decorative Shrub & Cut Flowers
OrnamentalPrized as a colorful ornamental shrub in xeriscapes, rock gardens, and water-wise landscapes. Tubular flowers in vibrant hues make excellent long-lasting cut flowers for floral arrangements. [source]
Bird & Pollinator Attraction
WildlifeThe long, nectar-rich tubular flowers are highly attractive to honeyeaters, sunbirds, and other nectarivorous birds in their native Australian habitat, making this plant excellent for wildlife gardens. [source]
Drought-Tolerant Landscaping
HouseholdExceptionally water-efficient once established, requiring minimal supplemental watering; ideal for arid climates, Mediterranean gardens, and sustainable landscape design to reduce water consumption. [source]
Floral Design & Dried Arrangements
CraftFlowers and stems can be dried for long-lasting floral arrangements, wreaths, and decorative crafts, maintaining color and form for extended periods. [source]
Harvest Tips
Eremophila longiflora is not harvested for culinary or medicinal purposes. Cut stems with flowers for floral arrangements; use sharp pruners and cut just above a leaf node to encourage branching. Flowers last well in water.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The common name 'Emu Bush' derives from the fact that emus in its native Australia readily consume the flowers and fruit, and the plant may have evolved its attractive blooms partly in response to emu feeding behavior.
- 🌱 Over 200 species of Eremophila exist in Australia, with extreme variation in flower color and form; E. longiflora is named for its characteristically long, tubular flowers that can reach 4-5 cm in length.
- 🌱 In its native arid and semi-arid Australian habitat, Eremophila longiflora survives extended droughts by shedding leaves and entering dormancy, then rapidly re-sprouting with new foliage and flowers when rain returns.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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