shrub

Bignonia Emu Bush

The Story

Plant Bio

Eremophila bignoniiflora is a spreading, weeping large shrub or small tree native to the inland floodplains and watercourses of mainland Australia. The species features sticky, smooth branches clad in narrow, strap-like leaves and produces tubular, cream to pale pink flowers with spotted throats from winter through summer.

Unlike many desert-dwelling members of its genus, this species naturally adapts to heavy clay soils and tolerates periodic seasonal inundation. Its weeping, open canopy develops a thick trunk covered in pale brown, perforated bark with age.

Uses & Benefits:

Weeping growth habit, pale brown perforated bark, and tubular cream flowers with spotted throats.

Highly tolerant of heavy clay soils and periodic waterlogging where other desert species fail.

Provides nectar for hummingbirds in North America and supports native bees.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

315"

Width

315"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Moderate to High

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Winter – Summer

In flower about 9 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun or partial shade with adaptable soil, including heavy clay or alluvial loam.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and plant at the same depth as the container mix.
Water deeply during the establishment phase, then reduce watering to rely on natural rainfall.
Apply a light layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the main trunk to prevent rot.

Pro Tip

Prune lightly immediately after flowering to maintain a dense canopy; cutting back hard into old, leafless wood lacking dormant buds prevents regrowth and kills the branch.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

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.

Don't

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.
Do not plant in poorly draining, highly organic soils in wet climates without monitoring for root rot.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Mulch
Pest Check
Propagate
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Specimen PlantingScreeningClay Soil TolerantWildlife Garden

Companion Plants

Eucalyptus Acacia Melaleuca

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Bignonia Emu Bush questions

What zones can Bignonia Emu Bush grow in?

Bignonia Emu Bush is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Bignonia Emu Bush deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Bignonia Emu Bush, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Bignonia Emu Bush bloom?

Bignonia Emu Bush typically blooms in winter through summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Bignonia Emu Bush need full sun?

Bignonia Emu Bush does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Bignonia Emu Bush drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Bignonia Emu Bush handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.