shrub

Berrigan, Emu Bush, Dogwood, Long-leaved Eremophila, Native Plum Tree

The Story

Plant Bio

Eremophila longifolia, commonly known as berrigan or emu bush, is an evergreen large shrub or small tree native to the arid and semi-arid regions of mainland Australia. The species is characterised by its weeping, pendulous branches and narrow, grey-green leaves covered in fine, soft hairs.

This species is highly valued for its extreme drought tolerance and its ability to produce tubular, dull brick-red flowers sporadically throughout the year. It also exhibits a root-suckering habit, which allows it to colonise open ground and stabilise loose soils.

Uses & Benefits:

Weeping willow-like growth habit with pendulous branches and dull brick-red tubular flowers.

Extremely drought tolerant and useful for soil stabilisation via root-suckering.

Provides nectar for honeyeaters and other native birds, food and habitat for insects, and fruits consumed by emus.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

315 inches

Width

197 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Toxic to livestock if ingested in large quantities

Bloom period

Spring – Early summer

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select an open, fully sunny position with excellent drainage.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and of equal depth.
Place the plant in the hole, backfill with native soil, and firm gently.
Water in lightly to settle the soil, then eliminate regular watering once established.

Pro Tip

Tip-prune young plants lightly to encourage a dense weeping canopy; cutting back into old, leafless wood will prevent the plant from shooting back.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in a fully sunny position with high-drainage soil.
Graft onto Myoporum rootstock if planting in humid coastal regions or heavier soils.
Tip-prune young plants lightly to encourage a dense canopy.

Don't

Do not plant in poorly-drained heavy wet clays.
Do not prune hard into old, leafless wood.
Do not overwater or allow the plant to sit in waterlogged soil.
Do not fertilise heavily.

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

Specimen plantingWindbreaksScreeningWildlife gardens

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Berrigan, Emu Bush, Dogwood, Long-leaved Eremophila, Native Plum Tree questions

What zones can Berrigan, Emu Bush, Dogwood, Long-leaved Eremophila, Native Plum Tree grow in?

Berrigan, Emu Bush, Dogwood, Long-leaved Eremophila, Native Plum Tree 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 Berrigan, Emu Bush, Dogwood, Long-leaved Eremophila, Native Plum Tree bloom?

Berrigan, Emu Bush, Dogwood, Long-leaved Eremophila, Native Plum Tree typically blooms in spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Berrigan, Emu Bush, Dogwood, Long-leaved Eremophila, Native Plum Tree need full sun?

Berrigan, Emu Bush, Dogwood, Long-leaved Eremophila, Native Plum Tree does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Berrigan, Emu Bush, Dogwood, Long-leaved Eremophila, Native Plum Tree drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Berrigan, Emu Bush, Dogwood, Long-leaved Eremophila, Native Plum Tree handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.