shrub

Crimson Turkey Bush

The Story

Plant Bio

Eremophila latrobei is an erect, highly branched Australian shrub with rough branches covered in persistent leaf bases and prominent tubercles. The narrow, linear leaves are alternately arranged, and the plant produces solitary, tubular red to purplish-red flowers with protruding stamens from winter through early summer.

This species is highly adapted to arid environments, featuring minutely pubescent to tomentose foliage that helps conserve moisture. Certain inland populations contain toxic compounds, earning it the regional name of Georgina poison bush due to its impact on grazing livestock.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces striking tubular red flowers over an extended period against textured, narrow foliage.

Highly drought-tolerant shrub suitable for stabilizing dry, stony soils and low-water landscapes.

Provides a valuable nectar source for hummingbirds in North America and native honeyeaters in Australia.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

157"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Toxic to livestock

Bloom period

Winter – Early summer

In flower about 7 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with exceptional drainage, such as a raised bed, rockery, or sandy loam slope.
Plant during the warmer months, ensuring the crown sits slightly above the surrounding soil level to prevent water pooling around the stem.
Water sparingly during establishment, then transition to a minimal watering schedule, allowing the soil to dry out completely between applications.
Apply a very light layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the main stem to avoid collar rot.

Pro Tip

Pruning must be light and confined to the tips immediately after flowering; cutting back into old, leafless wood prevents the plant from shooting and can kill the branch.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide full sun and sharp, rapid drainage to prevent root rot.
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a compact, bushy habit.
Protect grey-foliaged forms from severe frost events.

Don't

Do not prune hard into old, bare wood as it will fail to regenerate.
Do not overwater or plant in heavy, poorly drained clay soils.
Do not apply heavy fertilizers, especially those high in phosphorus.

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

Rock gardensXeriscapingSpecimen plantingArid-zone borders

Companion Plants

Eucalyptus Acacia Grevillea Anigozanthos

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Crimson Turkey Bush questions

What zones can Crimson Turkey Bush grow in?

Crimson Turkey 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 Crimson Turkey Bush deer resistant?

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

When does Crimson Turkey Bush bloom?

Crimson Turkey Bush typically blooms in winter through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Crimson Turkey Bush need full sun?

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

Is Crimson Turkey Bush drought tolerant?

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