shrub

Spreading Emu Bush, Emu Bush

The Story

Plant Bio

Eremophila divaricata, commonly known as the spreading emu bush, is an evergreen Australian shrub that forms a dense, tangled mound of stiff branches frequently terminating in sharp spines. In its native inland river floodplains, it grows as an understorey species associated with river red gum and black box communities.

This species is distinguished by its highly branched, rigid habit and small, linear mid-green leaves that sit erect along the stems. Tubular, lavender to pinkish-lilac flowers with purple-spotted throats emerge singly from the leaf axils throughout spring and summer.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a dense, structural form with fine-textured foliage and a long display of lavender tubular flowers.

Functions as an effective low barrier or defensive hedge due to its dense, spiny, intertwined branches.

Attracts native bees, butterflies, and nectar-feeding birds such as honeyeaters to the garden.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

71 inches

Width

79 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Spring – Autumn

In flower about 7 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with well-drained soil, avoiding low-lying areas prone to waterlogging.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and of equal depth, backfilling with native soil without adding organic matter.
Position the plant at the same soil level as it was in the container and water in thoroughly to settle the soil.
Apply a thin layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the main stem to prevent collar rot.

Pro Tip

Do not prune past the active green foliage into old, leafless wood, as dormant buds in the bare wood fail to regenerate.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in elevated beds or sloped areas if growing in heavy clay to ensure rapid drainage.
Prune lightly in late winter to maintain a compact shape and remove dead, spiny twigs.
Water sparingly once established, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings.

Don't

Do not prune hard into old, bare wood where dormant buds cannot reshoot.
Do not apply heavy, phosphorus-rich fertilisers; use minimal native-formulated feeds in early spring only.
Do not use overhead irrigation, which increases humidity and encourages fungal leaf spots.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

HedgeBarrier PlantingRockeryNative GardenWindbreak

Companion Plants

Eucalyptus camaldulensis Eucalyptus largiflorens Westringia fruticosa Atriplex nummularia

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Spreading Emu Bush, Emu Bush questions

What zones can Spreading Emu Bush, Emu Bush grow in?

Spreading Emu Bush, 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.

When does Spreading Emu Bush, Emu Bush bloom?

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

Does Spreading Emu Bush, Emu Bush need full sun?

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

Is Spreading Emu Bush, Emu Bush drought tolerant?

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