1 named cultivar

‘Kalbarri Carpet’Emu Bush

shrub

Common Emu Bush

The Story

Plant Bio

Eremophila glabra, the common emu bush, is an evergreen Australian shrub ranging from low, spreading groundcovers to upright mounds up to five feet tall. The foliage varies from smooth, bright green leaves to forms densely covered in silver-grey, felt-like hairs that provide striking contrast in dry landscapes.

The tubular, curved flowers feature prominent protruding stamens and appear in shades of red, orange, or yellow from late winter through summer. These nectar-rich blossoms are highly attractive to hummingbirds and native bees in southwestern gardens.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides year-round structural interest with variable green or silver foliage and colorful tubular flowers.

Excellent for erosion control on dry slopes and highly tolerant of coastal salt spray.

Provides a valuable nectar source for hummingbirds and native bees during the winter and spring months.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

40"

Width

60"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low to Moderate

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with exceptionally well-drained, sandy or gravelly soil.
Water regularly during the first few months after planting to encourage deep root establishment.
Taper irrigation off sharply once established, watering only during prolonged dry spells.
Apply a low-phosphorus fertilizer sparingly once a year in early spring if growth is sluggish.

Pro Tip

Prune strictly along the soft, leafy outer tips immediately after the main flowering flush; cutting back into old, bare interior wood will prevent the plant from resprouting.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in a location that receives full sun all day.
Ensure the soil has excellent drainage to prevent root rot.
Tip-prune annually to maintain a dense, bushy habit.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy, waterlogged clay soils.
Do not cut back into old, leafless woody stems.
Do not overwater once the root system is established.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Water-wise accentGroundcoverErosion control on slopesCoastal gardens

Companion Plants

Salvia Agave Arctostaphylos

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Common Emu Bush questions

What zones can Common Emu Bush grow in?

Common 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.

Is Common Emu Bush deer resistant?

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

When does Common Emu Bush bloom?

Common Emu Bush typically blooms in late winter 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 need full sun?

Common Emu Bush does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Common Emu Bush drought tolerant?

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