shrub

Spreading Emu-bush

The Story

Plant Bio

Eremophila divaricata, the spreading emu-bush, is a sprawling, tangled evergreen shrub native to the inland floodplains of Australia, growing up to five feet tall and notably wider than its height. The intricate, divaricate branches carry small, narrow green to gray-green leaves and produce solitary, tubular lavender or pink flowers in the leaf axils.

Unlike many of its desert-dwelling relatives that demand sharp drainage, this species naturally inhabits heavy river-flat clays and easily tolerates temporary waterlogging. Its stiff, intricately woven habit provides excellent low-profile shelter for small garden wildlife while remaining highly drought-resistant once established.

Uses & Benefits:

Its intricate, tangled branching structure and delicate lavender flowers provide unique architectural interest in dry gardens.

Highly effective for stabilizing heavy clay soils and tolerating sub-saline conditions where other shrubs struggle.

Provides valuable low, dense cover for small reptiles and lizards, while the tubular flowers attract insect pollinators.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

59"

Width

98"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Winter – Spring

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to filtered shade with clay, loam, or sandy soil.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and plant at the same depth as the nursery container.
Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the roots.
Apply a thin layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the main stem.
Irrigate occasionally during the first summer to establish a deep root system.

Pro Tip

Do not prune hard into old, leafless wood; cutting back past the active foliage line often prevents the plant from regenerating new shoots.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Grow in heavy clay or loam soils where other desert shrubs fail.
Provide full sun to maximize flowering and maintain a dense, compact habit.
Prune lightly after the main flowering flush to shape the tangled branches.

Don't

Do not prune deeply into old, bare wood as it will fail to reshoot.
Do not overwater in stagnant, poorly drained soils to avoid root rot.
Do not apply high-phosphorus fertilizers.

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

Erosion control on clay banksLow-maintenance xeriscapingWildlife refuge plantingCoastal or saline windbreaks

Companion Plants

Melaleuca decussata Atriplex nummularia Westringia fruticosa

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Spreading Emu-bush questions

What zones can Spreading Emu-bush grow in?

Spreading 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.

Is Spreading Emu-bush deer resistant?

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

When does Spreading Emu-bush bloom?

Spreading Emu-bush 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 Spreading Emu-bush need full sun?

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

Is Spreading Emu-bush drought tolerant?

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