shrub

Showy Eremophila, Emu Bush, Easter Egg Emu Bush

The Story

Plant Bio

Eremophila racemosa, commonly known as the showy eremophila, is an erect, branching evergreen shrub native to the semi-arid woodlands of south-west Western Australia. It develops an open, upright habit with narrow, hairless, lance-shaped leaves arranged alternately along its stems.

This species is distinguished by its tubular flowers that change colour as they age, displaying yellow, orange, red, and purple shades simultaneously on a single plant. The high-calorie nectar produced within these blossoms serves as a primary food source for native honeyeaters and spinebills.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces a striking, multi-coloured floral display as buds transition from yellow to red and purple.

Highly drought-tolerant and well-suited to low-water, low-maintenance native gardens once established.

Provides high-calorie nectar that supports native Australian honeyeaters, spinebills, bees, and butterflies.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

71 inches

Width

59 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low

Lifespan

Short-lived in humid zones, longer in dry climates

Native To

Western Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Spring – Summer

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with highly permeable, sandy or stony loam to prevent waterlogging.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball but of equal depth, ensuring the plant sits level with the surrounding soil.
Backfill without adding organic matter or heavy fertilisers, firming the soil gently around the base.
Water in lightly to settle the soil, then establish a minimal watering regime once the root system is active.

Pro Tip

Prune lightly immediately after the main flowering flush to maintain a bushy habit, taking care not to cut back into old, leafless wood which lacks dormant buds to regenerate.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in a position that receives maximum daily sunlight to promote abundant flowering.
Ensure the soil has excellent drainage, using raised beds or gravel mixes if heavy clay is present.
Tip-prune the soft flowering wood after the spring and summer flushes to encourage dense growth.

Don't

Do not overwater or plant in poorly drained, heavy soils, which rapidly induces fatal root rot.
Do not prune hard into old, bare wood, as the plant cannot regenerate from stems lacking foliage.
Do not plant in high-humidity coastal zones where the lifespan of the shrub is significantly shortened.

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

Bird gardensXeriscapingNative gardensRockeries

Companion Plants

Eucalyptus species Melaleuca species

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Showy Eremophila, Emu Bush, Easter Egg Emu Bush questions

What zones can Showy Eremophila, Emu Bush, Easter Egg Emu Bush grow in?

Showy Eremophila, Emu Bush, Easter Egg 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 Showy Eremophila, Emu Bush, Easter Egg Emu Bush bloom?

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

Does Showy Eremophila, Emu Bush, Easter Egg Emu Bush need full sun?

Showy Eremophila, Emu Bush, Easter Egg Emu Bush does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Showy Eremophila, Emu Bush, Easter Egg Emu Bush drought tolerant?

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