1 named cultivar

‘Kalbarri Carpet’Common Emu Bush, Tar Bush, Kalbarri Carpet Emu Bush

shrub

Common Emu Bush, Tar Bush, Desert Fuchsia

The Story

Plant Bio

Eremophila glabra, the common emu bush, is a highly variable evergreen Australian shrub ranging from prostrate groundcovers to erect forms reaching up to three metres in height. The lanceolate leaves can be glossy and hairless or covered in dense, silvery-white hairs, while the tubular flowers feature a prominent, reflexed lower lip and protruding stamens.

This species exhibits extreme diversity in flower colour, producing solitary blooms in shades of red, orange, yellow, or green from late winter through summer. The dense foliage of the silver-leafed forms provides strong structural contrast in dry climates and acts as a reliable nectar source for honeyeaters.

Uses & Benefits:

Offers highly variable foliage forms, from glossy green to striking silvery-grey, complemented by tubular flowers.

Acts as an excellent, drought-tolerant groundcover or low shrub for dry, coastal, or calcareous soils.

Provides a vital nectar source for native honeyeaters, spinebills, bees, and butterflies.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

118 inches

Width

118 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low

Lifespan

Moderate

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with excellent drainage, avoiding any low-lying areas prone to waterlogging.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and plant at the same depth as the nursery pot.
Water in thoroughly to settle the soil, then withhold regular watering once the plant is established.
Apply a light layer of mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the main stem to prevent collar rot.

Pro Tip

Plant only forms sourced from similar climate zones, as specimens adapted to arid inland regions quickly succumb to root rot and fungal leaf spotting when grown in humid coastal gardens.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in a full sun position with sharp drainage.
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a compact shape.
Apply a low-phosphorus native fertiliser sparingly once a year.

Don't

Do not overwater or plant in heavy, poorly drained soils.
Do not prune heavily into old, bare wood as it will not readily reshoot.
Do not plant arid-zone selections in high-humidity coastal environments.

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

Rock gardensDry bordersGroundcoverBird-attracting gardensCoastal gardens

Companion Plants

Westringia fruticosa Grevillea species Anigozanthos flavidus

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Common Emu Bush, Tar Bush, Desert Fuchsia questions

What zones can Common Emu Bush, Tar Bush, Desert Fuchsia grow in?

Common Emu Bush, Tar Bush, Desert Fuchsia 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, Desert Fuchsia bloom?

Common Emu Bush, Tar Bush, Desert Fuchsia 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, Tar Bush, Desert Fuchsia need full sun?

Common Emu Bush, Tar Bush, Desert Fuchsia does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Common Emu Bush, Tar Bush, Desert Fuchsia drought tolerant?

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