shrub

MacDonnell's Emubush, MacDonnell's Desert Fuchsia

The Story

Plant Bio

Eremophila macdonnellii, commonly known as MacDonnell's emubush, is an evergreen Australian shrub native to the arid interior, forming a rounded or spreading mound of tangled branches. The foliage is highly variable, featuring small linear to rounded leaves that are typically covered in dense, fine hairs to produce a distinct silvery-grey appearance.

Large, flattened, tubular flowers up to 35 millimetres long emerge on long, slender stalks, showcasing deep violet, purple, or mauve tones. These flowers are highly attractive to native bees and nectar-feeding birds, appearing predominantly through winter and spring.

Uses & Benefits:

Features striking silvery-grey foliage contrasted against large, vibrant purple tubular flowers.

Extremely drought-tolerant once established, making it ideal for low-water and arid landscaping.

Provides a valuable nectar source for native bees, beneficial insects, and nectar-feeding birds.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

47 inches

Width

197 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low

Lifespan

Moderate

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Winter – Spring

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site that receives full, unobstructed sun throughout the day.
Ensure the soil is exceptionally well-drained, incorporating sand or gravel if planting in heavier loams.
Position the plant so the crown sits slightly above the surrounding soil level to prevent water pooling around the stem.
Water sparingly during establishment, then transition to a minimal watering schedule once the root system is active.

Pro Tip

Plant in an open, baking-hot position with absolute drainage, or select specimens grafted onto Myoporum rootstock to prevent collar rot and grey mould in humid climates.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in a position with maximum air circulation to deter fungal pathogens.
Tip-prune young plants regularly to encourage a dense, bushy habit.
Use grafted specimens if gardening in humid coastal or subtropical climates.

Don't

Do not prune back into old, bare wood as it rarely reshoots.
Do not allow water to sit around the collar or apply overhead watering in humid conditions.
Do not over-fertilise, as these desert-adapted plants require minimal nutrients.

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

Rock gardensArid-style gardensNative gardensContainer planting

Companion Plants

Sennas MaireanaAcacias

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

MacDonnell's Emubush, MacDonnell's Desert Fuchsia questions

What zones can MacDonnell's Emubush, MacDonnell's Desert Fuchsia grow in?

MacDonnell's Emubush, MacDonnell's Desert Fuchsia 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 MacDonnell's Emubush, MacDonnell's Desert Fuchsia bloom?

MacDonnell's Emubush, MacDonnell's Desert Fuchsia 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 MacDonnell's Emubush, MacDonnell's Desert Fuchsia need full sun?

MacDonnell's Emubush, MacDonnell's Desert Fuchsia does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is MacDonnell's Emubush, MacDonnell's Desert Fuchsia drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), MacDonnell's Emubush, MacDonnell's Desert Fuchsia handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.