shrub

Rock Fuchsia Bush, Rock Emubush, Limestone Fuchsia, Limestone Fuchsia Bush, Long-Leaved Fuchsia Bush, Native Fuchsia, Arrethe

The Story

Plant Bio

Eremophila freelingii, commonly known as the rock fuchsia bush, is an upright, evergreen shrub native to the stony hillsides and arid interior of Australia. It produces tubular, lilac flowers from winter through to spring, set against grey-green foliage that is highly aromatic and sticky to the touch.

This species is distinguished by its rough, resinous branches and lanceolate leaves covered in fine hairs that secrete a protective sticky resin. The pale to dark lilac flowers feature distinct purple spotting inside the throat and are highly attractive to native nectar-feeding birds.

Uses & Benefits:

Features attractive greyish-green aromatic foliage and tubular lilac flowers that appear over a long season.

Highly drought and frost tolerant, making it ideal for soil stabilisation and low-water landscaping in dry climates.

Provides a valuable nectar source for native birds, butterflies, and beneficial insects in arid regions.

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 if ingested in quantity

Bloom period

Winter – Spring

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with excellent air circulation and sharp, rapid drainage.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and backfill with native soil, avoiding any soil amendments that retain excess moisture.
Water in lightly to settle the soil, then restrict watering to dry periods until the root system establishes.
Apply a light layer of gravel mulch around the base rather than organic mulch to prevent moisture retention near the collar.

Pro Tip

Plant in a position with maximum air movement and sharp drainage, as stagnant air and humid coastal conditions quickly trigger fungal leaf rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune lightly and regularly after flowering to maintain a compact, bushy habit.
Ensure the plant has maximum exposure to wind and air movement to prevent fungal issues.
Use a low-phosphorus native fertiliser sparingly if growth appears sluggish.

Don't

Do not prune harshly into old, bare wood as latent buds will fail to shoot.
Do not plant in heavy, waterlogged soils or humid coastal positions.
Do not use overhead watering systems that leave foliage wet overnight.

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

Rock gardensArid and waterwise gardensLow-maintenance bordersNative bird gardens

Companion Plants

Acacia aneura Senna artemisioidesTriodia species

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Rock Fuchsia Bush, Rock Emubush, Limestone Fuchsia, Limestone Fuchsia Bush, Long-Leaved Fuchsia Bush, Native Fuchsia, Arrethe questions

What zones can Rock Fuchsia Bush, Rock Emubush, Limestone Fuchsia, Limestone Fuchsia Bush, Long-Leaved Fuchsia Bush, Native Fuchsia, Arrethe grow in?

Rock Fuchsia Bush, Rock Emubush, Limestone Fuchsia, Limestone Fuchsia Bush, Long-Leaved Fuchsia Bush, Native Fuchsia, Arrethe 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 Rock Fuchsia Bush, Rock Emubush, Limestone Fuchsia, Limestone Fuchsia Bush, Long-Leaved Fuchsia Bush, Native Fuchsia, Arrethe bloom?

Rock Fuchsia Bush, Rock Emubush, Limestone Fuchsia, Limestone Fuchsia Bush, Long-Leaved Fuchsia Bush, Native Fuchsia, Arrethe typically blooms in winter through spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Rock Fuchsia Bush, Rock Emubush, Limestone Fuchsia, Limestone Fuchsia Bush, Long-Leaved Fuchsia Bush, Native Fuchsia, Arrethe need full sun?

Rock Fuchsia Bush, Rock Emubush, Limestone Fuchsia, Limestone Fuchsia Bush, Long-Leaved Fuchsia Bush, Native Fuchsia, Arrethe does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Rock Fuchsia Bush, Rock Emubush, Limestone Fuchsia, Limestone Fuchsia Bush, Long-Leaved Fuchsia Bush, Native Fuchsia, Arrethe drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Rock Fuchsia Bush, Rock Emubush, Limestone Fuchsia, Limestone Fuchsia Bush, Long-Leaved Fuchsia Bush, Native Fuchsia, Arrethe handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.