Species

groundcover

Emu Bush

The Story

Plant Bio

Eremophila glabra is an evergreen Australian shrub adapted to arid and Mediterranean climates, characterized by its extreme drought tolerance and nectar-rich tubular flowers. The species grows in sandy or well-drained soils, producing solitary flowers in the leaf axils that attract nectar-feeding wildlife.

'Kalbarri Carpet' is a prostrate, dense-matting groundcover selection that spreads up to eighty inches wide while keeping a low profile under eight inches tall. It features soft, silvery-grey leaves covered in fine downy hairs and produces golden-yellow tubular flowers primarily during spring and summer.

Uses & Benefits:

Forms a dense, shimmering silvery-grey carpet that contrasts sharply with green foliage and produces bright golden-yellow flowers.

Acts as an effective, highly drought-tolerant groundcover for stabilizing sandy slopes and dry embankments.

Provides a valuable nectar source for hummingbirds and beneficial insects during the warm months.

SpeciesEremophila glabraCommon Emu Bush

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Groundcover

Height

Width

78"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Spring – Summer

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with excellent, sharp drainage, such as a sloped bed or sandy loam soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, ensuring the crown sits slightly above the surrounding soil level.
Water the plant deeply to settle the soil, then restrict watering to occasional deep soakings once the root system is established.
Apply a light layer of gravel or coarse mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the main stems to prevent collar rot.

Pro Tip

Tip-prune the stems regularly from a young age to prevent the center of the groundcover from becoming hollow, bare, and woody.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune lightly after the main spring and summer flowering flush to maintain a dense foliage mat.
Ensure the soil drains rapidly, especially if planting near clay or in areas with high seasonal rainfall.
Grow in full sun to maximize flower production and maintain the intense silvery color of the foliage.

Don't

Do not prune heavily into old, leafless woody stems, as the plant cannot reshoot from old wood.
Do not overwater or allow the roots to sit in soggy, waterlogged soil, which triggers sudden root rot.
Do not apply heavy doses of standard high-phosphorus fertilizers.

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

GroundcoverRock GardenErosion ControlCoastal GardenWater-wise Border

Companion Plants

Ceanothus gloriosus Arctostaphylos uva-ursi Salvia apiana

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Emu Bush questions

What zones can Emu Bush grow in?

Emu Bush 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 Emu Bush bloom?

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 Emu Bush need full sun?

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

Is Emu Bush drought tolerant?

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