How to Grow Emu Bush
Wikimedia Commons
Emu Bush
Eremophila glabra
shrubEremophila glabra is a drought-tolerant Australian native shrub known for its vibrant tubular flowers in shades of red, pink, orange, yellow, or purple. This hardy, low-maintenance plant grows 1-2 meters tall and is ideal for xeriscaping and hot, dry climates. It thrives in poor, sandy soils and requires minimal water once established.
Looking for a specific variety?
When should you plant Emu Bush in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Emu Bush timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Emu Bush
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Emu Bush
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Emu Bush dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in USDA zones 9b-11, with best performance in zones 10-11. Requires frost protection in cooler zones.
Sign up free to see if Emu Bush grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Emu Bush timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
3-6 monthsYoung plant with modest foliage, focusing energy on root development
Plant in well-draining soil, water regularly but allow soil to dry between waterings, protect from harsh winds during first months, avoid fertilizing
Vegetative Growth
6-12 monthsShrub develops dense foliage and branch structure, leaves are narrow and linear to lanceolate
Reduce watering frequency, maintain excellent drainage, minimal feeding needed, light pruning to shape, no heavy fertilizers
Flowering
8-10 months (variable; can flower year-round in warm climates)Tubular flowers appear in terminal clusters along stems, colors range from red to pink, orange, yellow, or purple depending on variety
Maintain low water schedule, provide full sun exposure to maximize blooms, avoid pruning during heavy flowering, no fertilizer needed
Fruiting
3-4 monthsSmall seed pods develop after flowers fade, fruit is a drupe containing a hard seed
Allow pods to mature on plant if collecting seed, minimal intervention needed
Dormancy/Maintenance
Ongoing during winter or dry seasonPlant enters slower growth phase during cooler months (if applicable); structure remains dense and attractive
Minimal watering, no fertilizing, light pruning after flowering to maintain shape, remove dead wood as needed
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Increase air circulation, spray foliage with water, use neem oil if severe, avoid overwatering
-
Prune heavily infested branches, spray with horticultural oil in dormant season, inspect regularly
-
Remove affected foliage, apply insecticidal soap, encourage natural predators
-
Ensure excellent drainage, avoid overwatering, remove affected plants if severely damaged, amend soil with sand and gravel
Uses
Ornamental Flowering Shrub
OrnamentalEremophila glabra is prized in gardens for its long flowering season and vibrant, tubular blooms. It serves as an excellent focal point in xeriscape landscapes and native plant gardens throughout warm climates. [source]
Pollinator Attraction
WildlifeThe nectar-rich tubular flowers attract honeyeaters, lorikeets, and other native birds, as well as bees and butterflies. It is invaluable for supporting native fauna in Australian gardens. [source]
Cut Flower Arrangements
HouseholdThe long-lasting tubular flowers are excellent for fresh cut arrangements and dried floral displays. A prolific bloomer that provides consistent material for floral design. [source]
Traditional Indigenous Use
CulinaryAboriginal Australians historically used Eremophila species for various purposes, though E. glabra is primarily ornamental today. Research into traditional plant applications continues. [source]
Drought-Tolerant Landscaping
HouseholdAn ideal plant for water-wise gardening in arid and semi-arid regions, reducing landscape water consumption while providing year-round color and wildlife value. [source]
Harvest Tips
Cut flowers for arrangements when fully open. Flowers bloom prolifically throughout the year in warm climates; collect seeds from mature pods if propagating. Prune lightly after main flowering to encourage bushier growth and more blooms next season. Deadheading spent flowers extends bloom period.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The name 'Eremophila' comes from Greek words meaning 'desert-loving,' reflecting the genus's adaptation to harsh Australian outback conditions.
- 🌱 Eremophila glabra exists in multiple color forms in the wild, ranging from deep red through pink, orange, yellow, and purple—named varieties are selected for specific flower colors.
- 🌱 The plant's flowers can bloom year-round in warm climates, providing consistent nectar for honeyeaters and bees, making it a superb habitat plant for supporting native wildlife.
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Emu Bush planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Emu Bush seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Emu Bush timeline →