shrub

Crimson turkey bush, Native fuchsia, Latrobe's emu bush

The Story

Plant Bio

Eremophila latrobei, the crimson turkey bush, is an erect, highly branched Australian shrub native to arid inland regions, typically reaching one to two metres in cultivation. The tubular, nectar-rich flowers are red to purplish-red with protruding stamens, appearing in the upper leaf axils from winter through to early summer.

This species is distinguished by its highly warty, rough branches and narrow, linear leaves that vary from green to grey-tomentose. It is exceptionally drought-tolerant but highly sensitive to humid coastal air and wet, heavy soils.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces tubular red flowers over a long period against contrasting green or grey foliage.

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

Provides high-value nectar for native honeyeaters, native bees, and beneficial insects.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

79 inches

Width

79 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low

Lifespan

Moderate

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Toxic to Livestock

Bloom period

Winter – Early summer

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with exceptionally sharp drainage, such as a raised garden bed or rocky slope.
Incorporate coarse sand or gravel into the planting hole if the native soil is prone to holding moisture.
Water sparingly after planting to establish the root system, then reduce irrigation to a minimum once established.
Apply a thin layer of gravel mulch around the base of the plant to keep the root collar dry and prevent rot.

Pro Tip

Prune lightly immediately after flowering to maintain a dense habit; cutting back into old, leafless woody stems will prevent the plant from reshooting.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in a position with high air movement to prevent fungal leaf spot.
Prune lightly after flowering to encourage fresh, dense growth.
Use a low-phosphorus native fertiliser if feeding is necessary.

Don't

Do not prune hard into old, bare wood lacking active green buds.
Do not over-water or allow the soil to remain wet and heavy.
Do not use overhead watering, which encourages fungal pathogens on the foliage.

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

XeriscapingRock gardensArid-zone native gardensBird-attracting borders

Companion Plants

Senna artemisioides Maireana sedifolia Acacia aneura

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Crimson turkey bush, Native fuchsia, Latrobe's emu bush questions

What zones can Crimson turkey bush, Native fuchsia, Latrobe's emu bush grow in?

Crimson turkey bush, Native fuchsia, Latrobe's emu 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 Crimson turkey bush, Native fuchsia, Latrobe's emu bush bloom?

Crimson turkey bush, Native fuchsia, Latrobe's emu 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, Native fuchsia, Latrobe's emu bush need full sun?

Crimson turkey bush, Native fuchsia, Latrobe's emu bush does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Crimson turkey bush, Native fuchsia, Latrobe's emu bush drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Crimson turkey bush, Native fuchsia, Latrobe's emu bush handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.