Also known as Emu Bush · 18 saves
Eremophila
Eremophila, the genus most gardeners know as emu bush. We track 18 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 18 most-saved Eremophila varieties
14 species of Eremophila
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Eremophila in Sow
Save the Eremophila you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Eremophila
Whats common across all Eremophila varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 18 most-grown of them.
The Eremophila year
- PruneSeptember100% of varieties
Apply moderate pruning after the main spring flowering flush to maintain shape.
- Check for PestsJune and July100% of varieties
Inspect the dense weeping foliage for scale insects or aphids on new growth.
- FertilizeMarch and April94% of varieties
Apply a light application of native-formulated slow-release fertiliser if growth is sluggish.
- PropagateAugust and September67% of varieties
Take semi-hardwood cuttings from hardened current season's growth.
- PlantMarch, April, September and October39% of varieties
Plant in spring or autumn to allow root establishment before extreme heat or cold.
Do
- Prune moderately after flowering to maintain a dense, weeping shape.
- Ensure ample air circulation to prevent fungal leaf issues.
- Use a low-phosphorus native fertiliser if growth appears sluggish.
- Plant on a slope or in raised beds if your garden has heavy clay soil.
- Prune lightly after the main flowering flush to maintain a dense, tidy habit.
Avoid
- Do not overwater or allow the plant to sit in waterlogged soil.
- Do not prune hard into old, leafless wood lacking active epicormic buds.
- Do not plant in heavily shaded or poorly ventilated positions.
- Do not overwater or allow the roots to sit in waterlogged soil.
What goes wrong with Eremophila
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Scale insects | Small, waxy bumps on stems and soft new growth, sometimes accompanied by sooty mould. | Apply eco-oil or targeted insecticidal soap during severe outbreaks. |
| Aphids | Clusters of tiny insects on sticky new shoots, causing distorted growth. | Spray with a sharp burst of water or apply insecticidal soap. |
| Borers | Holes in stems, sawdust-like frass, and dying branch tips. | Prune out infested wood well below the damaged area and seal the cut if necessary. |
| Root-rot fungi (Phytophthora) | Sudden wilting, yellowing foliage, and dieback of branches, particularly during warm, wet periods. | Ensure absolute drainage, avoid overwatering, and apply a systemic fungicide if detected early. |
| Root rot | Foliage yellowing, wilting, and sudden dieback of stems under wet conditions. | Improve soil drainage, avoid overwatering, and plant in raised beds if soil is heavy. |
| Root rot (Phytophthora) | Sudden wilting, yellowing foliage, and dieback of branches in wet soil. | Improve soil drainage and avoid planting in low-lying areas where water pools. |
| Botrytis | Fungal leaf spot or grey mould on foliage in highly humid, stagnant conditions. | Improve air circulation, ensure full sun, and avoid overhead watering. |
Making more Eremophila
Semi-hardwood cuttings
- Take cuttings of hardened, current season's growth in late summer or autumn.
- Remove the lower leaves and dip the base in rooting hormone powder or gel.
- Insert into a well-draining propagation mix of perlite and peat.
- Keep warm and mist regularly until roots establish, avoiding waterlogged conditions.
Grafting
- Select Myoporum rootstock to improve tolerance to heavy, wet soils.
- Take a scion from a healthy Eremophila oppositifolia stem.
- Perform a wedge or top-cleft graft, securing the union with grafting tape.
- Keep the grafted plant in a humid, shaded environment until the union heals.
Eremophila questions
How many types of Eremophila are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 18 distinct Eremophila varieties. The most popular — ranked by 18 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Eremophila grow in?
Across its varieties, Eremophila covers USDA Zones 8–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Eremophila bloom?
Most Eremophila varieties bloom in winter, spring, year round. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Eremophila should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.