shrub

Turpentine Bush, Narrow-leaf Emu-bush, Buddha Bush

The Story

Plant Bio

Eremophila sturtii, the turpentine bush, is an erect, multi-stemmed Australian shrub native to dry inland regions, reaching up to three metres in height. The bright green, linear leaves are coated in a sticky, highly aromatic resin that emits a sharp turpentine-like scent when handled.

The tubular, pale lilac to mauve flowers are borne singly in leaf axils, featuring a spotted interior that attracts native bees. Older specimens occasionally develop a single short trunk with deeply fissured, dark grey bark.

Uses & Benefits:

Offers a dense, bright green foliage screen with delicate, spotted lilac flowers over a long spring and summer season.

Extremely drought-tolerant and effective for windbreaks and soil stabilisation in arid, sandy soils.

Provides vital nectar and pollen resources for native bees and generalist insect pollinators in dry systems.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

118 inches

Width

98 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Spring – Summer

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site that receives full sun and has excellent air circulation.
Ensure the soil is light, sandy, or a highly free-draining loam with a neutral to alkaline pH.
Water sparingly during the establishment phase, then withhold supplemental watering once the root system is deep.
Apply only inorganic mulches, such as gravel or pebbles, keeping the area around the main stem completely clear.

Pro Tip

Avoid planting in heavy, unmodified clay or applying organic mulches close to the stem; this species demands sharp drainage and dry summer conditions to prevent collar rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Grow specimens grafted onto Myoporum rootstocks if planting in humid or coastal climates.
Ensure absolute drainage to protect the root zone from waterlogging.
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a dense, compact habit.

Don't

Do not prune hard into old, leafless wood, as epicormic buds will fail to shoot.
Do not over-fertilise or use high-phosphorus fertilisers.
Do not allow organic mulch or wet soil to sit against the main stem.

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

Windbreak or screen in arid and semi-arid gardensErosion control on sandy slopes and undulating plainsInland native gardens and low-water-use landscapes

Companion Plants

Senna artemisioides Maireana sedifolia Atriplex nummularia

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Turpentine Bush, Narrow-leaf Emu-bush, Buddha Bush questions

What zones can Turpentine Bush, Narrow-leaf Emu-bush, Buddha Bush grow in?

Turpentine Bush, Narrow-leaf Emu-bush, Buddha 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 Turpentine Bush, Narrow-leaf Emu-bush, Buddha Bush bloom?

Turpentine Bush, Narrow-leaf Emu-bush, Buddha 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 Turpentine Bush, Narrow-leaf Emu-bush, Buddha Bush need full sun?

Turpentine Bush, Narrow-leaf Emu-bush, Buddha Bush does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Turpentine Bush, Narrow-leaf Emu-bush, Buddha Bush drought tolerant?

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