shrub

Twin-leaf Emu Bush

The Story

Plant Bio

Eremophila oppositifolia, the twin-leaf emu bush, is an upright, silvery-grey shrub native to arid and semi-arid regions of mainland Australia. The narrow, linear leaves are arranged in opposite pairs and covered in a fine, downy hair that reflects intense sunlight and conserves moisture.

This species is distinguished by its tubular, bell-shaped flowers that emerge from winter to early summer, supported by persistent, colorful sepals that remain decorative long after the petals fall. The open, weeping branch framework provides structural interest in dry landscapes while offering nectar to foraging birds.

Uses & Benefits:

Silvery-grey foliage and persistent, colorful sepals provide year-round structural and color interest in dry gardens.

Extremely drought-tolerant once established, making it ideal for low-water landscaping and fire-wise zones.

The nectar-rich tubular flowers attract hummingbirds, native bees, and other generalist pollinators.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

118"

Width

98"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low to Moderate

Lifespan

Moderate

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Winter – Early summer

In flower about 7 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with exceptional drainage, such as a raised bed, gravelly slope, or sandy loam.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, keeping the crown slightly above the surrounding soil level to prevent water pooling.
Backfill with unamended native soil, avoiding any organic composts or high-phosphorus fertilizers that encourage weak, floppy growth.
Water deeply immediately after planting to settle the soil, then restrict irrigation to occasional deep watering during prolonged dry spells.

Pro Tip

Plant in the poorest, most free-draining soil available and withhold summer irrigation; excess moisture and high humidity trigger rapid root rot and sudden plant collapse.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a dense, compact habit.
Ensure maximum air circulation around the foliage to prevent fungal issues.
Grow in a container if local soils are heavy, poorly drained clay.

Don't

Do not apply high-nitrogen or high-phosphorus fertilizers.
Do not overwater or allow the roots to sit in waterlogged soil.
Do not plant in deep shade or high-humidity zones without grafting.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

XeriscapingSpecimen PlantHedgeRock GardenBird Garden

Companion Plants

Rosmarinus officinalis Salvia apiana Artemisia tridentata

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Twin-leaf Emu Bush questions

What zones can Twin-leaf Emu Bush grow in?

Twin-leaf 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 Twin-leaf Emu Bush deer resistant?

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

When does Twin-leaf Emu Bush bloom?

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

Does Twin-leaf Emu Bush need full sun?

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

Is Twin-leaf Emu Bush drought tolerant?

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