shrub

Pink Emu Bush

The Story

Plant Bio

Eremophila laanii, the pink emu bush, is an upright, evergreen Australian shrub reaching three to ten feet in height, featuring graceful, weeping branches and narrow, slightly succulent green leaves. The tubular pink to deep rose-red flowers emerge singly from the leaf axils, displaying protruding stamens and soft hairs inside the throat.

This species is distinguished by its fountain-like, tangled growth habit and its ability to produce occasional basal suckers that form a dense thicket. The apple-green to grey-green foliage provides a soft, textured backdrop for the long-lasting spring and summer blooms.

Uses & Benefits:

Features a graceful, weeping habit and a long succession of tubular pink flowers against fine, deep green foliage.

Offers exceptional drought tolerance and performs reliably in poor, sandy, or alkaline soils where other shrubs struggle.

Provides a valuable nectar source for hummingbirds and insect pollinators during the spring and summer months.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

118"

Width

118"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low to Moderate

Lifespan

10-20 years

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 highly permeable sandy, loamy, or gravelly soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, ensuring the crown sits slightly above the surrounding soil level to prevent water pooling.
Water sparingly during the first summer to establish the root system, then reduce irrigation to a minimum once the plant is established.
Apply a light layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it several inches away from the main stem to avoid moisture retention.

Pro Tip

Plant in the sharpest possible drainage, as stagnant soil moisture triggers rapid, fatal root rot; prune lightly immediately after flowering to prevent a leggy habit, avoiding cuts into old, bare wood.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in exceptionally well-drained soil to prevent root rot.
Prune lightly after the summer flowering flush to maintain a dense, compact shape.
Provide full sun to maximize flower production and maintain a tight growth habit.

Don't

Do not overwater or allow the roots to sit in stagnant, waterlogged soil.
Do not prune hard into old, leafless wood, as the plant cannot regenerate from bare stems.
Do not apply heavy, high-nitrogen fertilizers; use low-nutrient native plant formulations sparingly if at all.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

XeriscapingSpecimen ShrubHedge or ScreenBird Garden

Companion Plants

Rosmarinus officinalis Salvia apiana Agave parryi

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Pink Emu Bush questions

What zones can Pink Emu Bush grow in?

Pink 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 Pink Emu Bush bloom?

Pink 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 Pink Emu Bush need full sun?

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

Is Pink Emu Bush drought tolerant?

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