Also known as Emu Bush · 91 saves
Eremophila
Eremophila, the genus most gardeners know as emu bush. We track 18 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 16 most-saved Eremophila varieties
Browse all 18 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
- PruneJune100% of varieties
Prune lightly after the main spring flowering flush to maintain shape.
- Check for PestsJune–August100% of varieties
Check container-grown plants for aphids and spider mites during warm summer months.
- FertilizeMarch and April78% of varieties
Apply a low-phosphorus native-formulated fertilizer sparingly if growth is slow.
- PropagateAugust and September39% of varieties
Take semi-hardwood tip cuttings in late summer or early autumn.
- Winter PrepNovember and December39% of varieties
Protect young plants from severe sub-zero frosts with a light cover if necessary.
Do
- Prune lightly after the flowering period to encourage a bushier habit.
- Ensure the planting site receives full sun to maximize flower production.
- Allow the soil to dry out between waterings once the root system is established.
- Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a dense, compact habit.
- Ensure maximum air circulation around the foliage to prevent fungal issues.
Avoid
- Do not plant in heavy, waterlogged clay soils.
- Do not overwater or allow the plant to sit in soggy, waterlogged soil.
- Do not prune past the green foliage into old, bare wood.
- Do not apply high-phosphorus fertilizers, even though the plant is not strictly phosphorus-sensitive.
What goes wrong with Eremophila
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Spider mites | Fine webbing and stippling on leaves in dry, sheltered container environments. | Increase ventilation and spray foliage with water or miticide. |
| Aphids | Distorted new growth and sticky honeydew on foliage under greenhouse or container conditions. | Wash pests off with a strong spray of water or apply insecticidal soap. |
| Scale insects | Small, rounded bumps on the stems and leaf undersides, accompanied by sticky honeydew or black sooty mold. | Apply horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps directly to the affected areas during cool weather. |
| Deer | Chewed stems and foliage, particularly on tender new growth. | Protect young plants with physical cages or apply scent-based repellents. |
| Root rot | Wilting, yellowing foliage and decaying roots in waterlogged, organic soils. | Improve soil drainage and avoid overwatering during wet periods. |
| Powdery mildew | White, powdery fungal patches on leaves in humid conditions. | Space plants to improve airflow and avoid overhead watering. |
| Gray mold (Botrytis) | Foliage turns brown or gray and rots, especially in high humidity or crowded plantings. | Prune out affected stems, avoid overhead watering, and ensure maximum sun and airflow. |
Making more Eremophila
Semi-hardwood cuttings
- Take 4-inch semi-hardwood tip cuttings in late summer.
- Remove leaves from the lower half of the stem.
- Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and insert into a free-draining propagation mix.
- Keep warm and humid until roots establish.
Grafting
- Select a hardy Myoporum rootstock.
- Prepare a wedge or cleft graft using a healthy Eremophila tip scion.
- Secure the graft union firmly with grafting tape.
- Place 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 91 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 spring, late winter, winter. 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.