Species

Eremophila glabraCommon Emu Bush, Tar Bush, Desert Fuchsia

groundcover

Common Emu Bush, Tar Bush, Kalbarri Carpet Emu Bush

The Story

Plant Bio

Eremophila glabra, commonly known as the common emu bush, is a highly variable evergreen shrub native to the arid and semi-arid regions of mainland Australia. The species is adapted to nutrient-poor, free-draining soils and produces tubular flowers in the leaf axils that are highly attractive to nectar-feeding birds.

'Kalbarri Carpet' is a prostrate, dense-matting ground cover selection originating from the Kalbarri region of Western Australia. It is distinguished by its soft, velvety, silvery-grey foliage and golden-yellow flowers that appear primarily through spring and summer.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a dense, silvery-grey foliage carpet that contrasts strongly with dark green plants, highlighted by golden-yellow flowers.

Functions as an effective weed-suppressing ground cover and assists with soil stabilisation on sloping sites.

Attracts native nectar-eating birds, such as honeyeaters, and supports local pollinating insects.

SpeciesEremophila glabraCommon Emu Bush, Tar Bush, Desert Fuchsia

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Groundcover

Height

20 inches

Width

80 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low to Moderate

Lifespan

5-10 years

Native To

Western Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Spring – Summer

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with excellent soil drainage.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball but of equal depth, ensuring the plant sits level with the surrounding soil.
Backfill with native soil, firm down gently, and water in thoroughly to settle the roots.
Apply a thin layer of coarse mulch, keeping it clear of the main stem to prevent collar rot.
Water sparingly during the establishment phase, then reduce watering to a minimum once established.

Pro Tip

Tip-prune the stems regularly from a young age to encourage dense lateral growth; cutting back severely into old, leafless woody stems will prevent the plant from reshooting.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in highly free-draining soil to prevent root rot.
Tip-prune regularly when young to maintain a dense, compact mat.
Use a low-phosphorus native fertiliser if feeding is required.

Don't

Do not overwater or allow the plant to sit in waterlogged soil.
Do not prune heavily into old, bare, leafless wood.
Do not apply standard high-phosphorus garden fertilisers.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

GroundcoverRock gardenErosion control on embankmentsCoastal gardens

Companion Plants

Westringia fruticosa Anigozanthos flavidus Grevillea lanigera Chamelaucium uncinatum

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Common Emu Bush, Tar Bush, Kalbarri Carpet Emu Bush questions

What zones can Common Emu Bush, Tar Bush, Kalbarri Carpet Emu Bush grow in?

Common Emu Bush, Tar Bush, Kalbarri Carpet 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.

When does Common Emu Bush, Tar Bush, Kalbarri Carpet Emu Bush bloom?

Common Emu Bush, Tar Bush, Kalbarri Carpet Emu Bush typically blooms in spring through summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Common Emu Bush, Tar Bush, Kalbarri Carpet Emu Bush need full sun?

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

Is Common Emu Bush, Tar Bush, Kalbarri Carpet Emu Bush drought tolerant?

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