shrub

Weeooka, Twin-leaf Emu Bush, Mountain Sandalwood

The Story

Plant Bio

Eremophila oppositifolia, commonly known as weeooka or twin-leaf emu bush, is an erect to weeping evergreen shrub native to the arid and semi-arid inland regions of mainland Australia. The species is highly drought-resistant and produces narrow, grey-green leaves covered in a fine, felt-like tomentum that helps the plant conserve moisture in harsh climates.

This species is distinguished by its oppositely arranged leaves and tubular flowers that range from cream to pale pink and purple, held within prominent, persistent sepals. These colourful sepals remain on the branches long after the petals fall, effectively doubling the duration of the plant's ornamental display.

Uses & Benefits:

Soft grey-green foliage and long-lasting displays of colourful sepals that remain after the flowers drop.

Highly drought-tolerant and wind-resistant, making it an excellent choice for soil stabilisation in arid zones.

Provides a valuable source of nectar for native honeyeaters, bees, and other pollinating insects.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

118 inches

Width

118 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low to Moderate

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Winter – Summer

In flower about 7 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with excellent drainage, such as a sloped garden bed or raised mound.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but of equal depth, ensuring the plant sits at the same soil level as it did in the pot.
Backfill with native soil, firming gently to remove air pockets, and water in thoroughly to settle the roots.
Apply a thin layer of coarse mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the main stem to prevent collar rot.

Pro Tip

Always leave active green foliage on stems when trimming; pruning back into bare, dormant interior wood prevents new buds from breaking and causes permanent dieback.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

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.
Ensure the planting site receives full, unobstructed sun throughout the day.

Don't

Do not prune hard into old, leafless wood as the plant will fail to reshoot.
Do not over-water or allow the roots to sit in wet, boggy soil.
Do not apply heavy doses of high-phosphorus fertilisers.

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

Waterwise gardensWindbreaks and screensBird-attracting bordersArid-zone landscaping

Companion Plants

Maireana sedifolia Westringia fruticosa Senna artemisioides

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Weeooka, Twin-leaf Emu Bush, Mountain Sandalwood questions

What zones can Weeooka, Twin-leaf Emu Bush, Mountain Sandalwood grow in?

Weeooka, Twin-leaf Emu Bush, Mountain Sandalwood 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 Weeooka, Twin-leaf Emu Bush, Mountain Sandalwood bloom?

Weeooka, Twin-leaf Emu Bush, Mountain Sandalwood 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 Weeooka, Twin-leaf Emu Bush, Mountain Sandalwood need full sun?

Weeooka, Twin-leaf Emu Bush, Mountain Sandalwood does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Weeooka, Twin-leaf Emu Bush, Mountain Sandalwood drought tolerant?

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