How to Grow Red Bells Eremophila
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Red Bells Eremophila
Eremophila maculata 'Red Bells'
shrubRed Bells Eremophila is a compact, ornamental shrub native to Australia known for its striking tubular red flowers that dangle from the stems like bells. This drought-tolerant cultivar features fine, linear foliage and produces abundant blooms over an extended flowering season. It thrives in warm, dry climates and is valued for its low-maintenance nature and wildlife appeal.
When should you plant Red Bells Eremophila in your zone?
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Example Red Bells Eremophila timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Red Bells Eremophila
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 Red Bells Eremophila
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 9-11; best suited to Mediterranean and desert climates
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Get my Red Bells Eremophila timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
4-8 weeksYoung transplant developing root system; minimal above-ground growth visible initially
Water regularly but allow soil to dry between waterings. Provide bright light. Protect from frost if newly planted in borderline zones.
Vegetative Growth
2-4 monthsShrub develops bushy form with fine, narrow foliage; no flowers yet
Light pruning to encourage branching and bushier shape. Maintain well-draining soil. Reduce fertilizer; plant prefers lean conditions.
Flowering
3-6 months (spring through summer, may extend to fall)Abundant tubular red flowers appear along stems, resembling hanging bells; attracts hummingbirds and honeyeaters
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. Reduce watering slightly if possible. No fertilizer needed.
Dormancy/Rest
2-4 months (winter)Flowering decreases; growth slows in cooler months; plant maintains foliage but produces fewer blooms
Minimize watering; only water if leaves show stress. Avoid fertilizing. Prune lightly to maintain shape if needed.
Renewal
4-6 weeksAs temperatures warm, new growth and flower buds resume; plant prepares for next flowering cycle
Resume regular (but modest) watering. Light feeding with low-nitrogen fertilizer is optional. Avoid heavy pruning.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge; use neem oil or insecticidal soap if severe; improve air circulation
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Yellow sticky traps; insecticidal soap; neem oil spray; remove heavily infested leaves
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Prune out heavily infested stems; horticultural oil spray; hand-removal of visible scales
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Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; prune affected stems; improve drainage to reduce conditions favoring pest
Uses
Hummingbird and Honeyeater Nectar Plant
WildlifeThe tubular red flowers are highly attractive to hummingbirds and Australian honeyeaters, making it an excellent choice for pollinator gardens. The extended blooming season provides a reliable nectar source over many months. [source]
Ornamental Landscape Specimen
HouseholdRed Bells Eremophila serves as a focal point in drought-tolerant, water-wise landscapes and Mediterranean-style gardens. Its fine foliage and vibrant red bell-shaped flowers provide year-round visual interest. [source]
Container Growing
HouseholdThe compact growth habit makes this cultivar suitable for large pots and containers, allowing gardeners in cooler zones to grow it as a potted specimen and move it indoors during winter. [source]
Ornamental Edible Use (Limited)
CulinaryWhile primarily ornamental, Eremophila flowers are not known to be toxic and have been used traditionally by Aboriginal Australians in some applications, though not widely cultivated for culinary purposes. [source]
Harvest Tips
Not harvested for food or cutting; maintain ornamental value by deadheading spent flowers to promote continuous blooming. Remove any damaged or diseased stems year-round. Light pruning after main flowering season maintains compact shape.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Red Bells Eremophila is native to the arid and semi-arid regions of inland Australia, where it naturally occurs in mallee woodlands and spinifex grasslands.
- 🌱 The genus name 'Eremophila' means 'lover of solitude' or 'desert-loving' in Greek, reflecting the plant's preference for hot, dry environments.
- 🌱 This cultivar is part of a diverse genus with over 200 species, many endemic to Australia, and is relatively recent in horticultural cultivation outside its native range.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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