shrub

Spotted Emu Bush

The Story

Plant Bio

Eremophila maculata, the spotted emu bush, is an evergreen Australian shrub forming a dense, rounded mound of narrow, grey-green foliage. The tubular, slightly curved flowers feature a distinctively curled-back lower lip and spotted throats, opening from late winter through spring.

The species is highly variable, with flower colors ranging from red and pink to yellow or cream. In cold winter weather, the foliage often acquires a reddish-purple tint, while new growth emerges with a distinct red flush.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides dense, evergreen structure with tubular flowers that bloom during the winter and spring when other plants are dormant.

Highly drought-tolerant and salt-tolerant, making it excellent for low-water landscaping and coastal exposures.

Serves as an important winter food source for hummingbirds, bees, and other nectar-feeding insects in arid landscapes.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

98"

Width

94"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low to Moderate

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Toxic to livestock

Bloom period

Late winter – Spring

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with excellent drainage, as waterlogged soil causes rapid root decline.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, ensuring the crown sits slightly above the surrounding soil level.
Water deeply to settle the soil, then establish a sparse watering schedule that allows the root zone to dry completely between applications.
Apply a light layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it several inches away from the main stem to prevent collar rot.

Pro Tip

Prune lightly immediately after the main spring flowering flush to maintain a dense habit; cutting back into old, leafless wood often fails to produce new shoots.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in highly permeable sandy or loamy soil to ensure rapid drainage.
Prune lightly right after the spring bloom to encourage dense branching.
Provide full sun to maximize flower production and maintain a compact form.

Don't

Do not overwater or allow the plant to sit in soggy, waterlogged soil.
Do not prune heavily into old, bare wood, which lacks active buds.
Do not apply heavy fertilizers, as this species is adapted to nutrient-poor soils.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Mulch
Pest Check
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

XeriscapingHedgesCoastal GardensRock GardensWildlife Gardens

Companion Plants

Salvia greggii Teucrium chamaedrys Rosmarinus officinalis

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Spotted Emu Bush questions

What zones can Spotted Emu Bush grow in?

Spotted Emu 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 Spotted Emu Bush deer resistant?

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

When does Spotted Emu Bush bloom?

Spotted Emu Bush typically blooms in late winter through spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Spotted Emu Bush need full sun?

Spotted Emu Bush does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Spotted Emu Bush drought tolerant?

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