shrub

Turpentine Bush

The Story

Plant Bio

Eremophila sturtii, commonly known as turpentine bush, is an upright, multi-stemmed evergreen shrub native to the arid and semi-arid interior of mainland Australia. It develops a branching, resinous structure that can eventually form a short trunk with deeply fissured, dark gray bark on mature specimens.

The species is distinguished by its narrow, sticky green leaves that terminate in slightly curved, hooked tips and emit a light aromatic scent when handled. Throughout spring and summer, it produces tubular, pale mauve to lilac flowers marked with darker spots on the lower lobes.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces delicate pale mauve to lilac flowers against sticky, bright green foliage.

Highly drought-tolerant structure useful for windbreaks and erosion control in arid zones.

Provides nectar and habitat for native bees and beneficial insects.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

80"

Width

80"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low

Lifespan

Moderate to Long

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 that receives full, unobstructed sun throughout the day.
Amend heavy soils with coarse sand or fine gravel to ensure rapid, sharp drainage.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, keeping the crown level with the soil surface.
Water sparingly to establish, then withhold summer irrigation entirely once the root system is active.

Pro Tip

Establish this shrub in gritty, mineral-rich soils with absolute minimal summer irrigation; excess moisture or heavy organic mulch piled against the stems will rapidly induce fatal root rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in gritty, fast-draining mineral soils.
Provide maximum sun exposure.
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape.
Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy, waterlogged clay soils.
Do not cut back severely into old, leafless wood.
Do not apply heavy organic mulches near the stem.
Do not over-fertilize with high-nitrogen formulas.

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

Xeriscape gardensArid bordersWindbreaksSpecimen planting

Companion Plants

Atriplex nummularia Westringia fruticosa

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Turpentine Bush questions

What zones can Turpentine Bush grow in?

Turpentine 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.

Is Turpentine Bush deer resistant?

Yes — Turpentine Bush is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Turpentine Bush bloom?

Turpentine 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 need full sun?

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

Is Turpentine Bush drought tolerant?

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