shrub

Bignonia Emu Bush, Creek Wilga, Eurah, Gooramurra

The Story

Plant Bio

Eremophila bignoniiflora, the bignonia emu bush, is a large, weeping Australian shrub or small tree featuring drooping, pale green foliage that is sticky to the touch. During winter and spring, it produces large, bell-shaped cream flowers spotted with carmine or yellow-brown on the inside.

This species is distinguished by its highly pendulous growth habit and long, linear leaves that emit a strong, distinct odour when crushed. The large, tubular flowers are specifically adapted to attract nectar-feeding native birds and insect pollinators.

Uses & Benefits:

Graceful weeping habit with large, bell-shaped cream flowers that contrast against pale green foliage.

Highly drought-tolerant and useful as a windbreak, informal hedge, or privacy screen in arid and semi-arid zones.

Provides high-value nectar for honeyeaters, spinebills, native bees, and generalist insect pollinators.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

315 inches

Width

315 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Winter – Spring

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a position in full sun with excellent subsurface drainage.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and plant at the same depth as the pot.
Water in thoroughly to settle the soil, then water sparingly once established.
Apply a light layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the trunk.

Pro Tip

Ensure the planting site has excellent subsurface drainage; this inland species quickly succumbs to root rot in waterlogged garden clay despite growing on floodplains in the wild.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

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.

Don't

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.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

WindbreakScreeningBird Attracting GardenLow-Water GardenFeature Plant

Companion Plants

Eremophila maculata Westringia fruticosa Anigozanthos flavidus

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Bignonia Emu Bush, Creek Wilga, Eurah, Gooramurra questions

What zones can Bignonia Emu Bush, Creek Wilga, Eurah, Gooramurra grow in?

Bignonia Emu Bush, Creek Wilga, Eurah, Gooramurra is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

When does Bignonia Emu Bush, Creek Wilga, Eurah, Gooramurra bloom?

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

Does Bignonia Emu Bush, Creek Wilga, Eurah, Gooramurra need full sun?

Bignonia Emu Bush, Creek Wilga, Eurah, Gooramurra does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Bignonia Emu Bush, Creek Wilga, Eurah, Gooramurra drought tolerant?

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