shrub

Twiggy Emu-bush

The Story

Plant Bio

Eremophila polyclada, commonly known as twiggy emu-bush, is a dense, tangled evergreen shrub native to the arid and semi-arid floodplains of mainland Australia. Its highly branched, weeping form features narrow, deep green leaves that drop during extreme drought to conserve moisture.

This species is distinguished by its large, tubular white to pale lilac flowers that display prominent greenish or brown spots inside the throat. The intricate, divaricate branch structure provides excellent nesting habitat for small birds while remaining highly drought-resistant.

Uses & Benefits:

Valued for its unique, tangled, weeping branch structure and large, spotted white-to-lilac flowers.

Highly effective as a low-maintenance windbreak or structural barrier in arid, drought-prone landscapes.

Provides critical nesting cover for small birds and serves as a nectar source for bees and other pollinators.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

118"

Width

196"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Spring – Fall

In flower about 9 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with excellent drainage, such as a raised bed or sloped area.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, ensuring the crown sits slightly above the surrounding soil level.
Water deeply immediately after planting to settle the soil, then restrict irrigation to occasional deep soakings during dry spells.
Apply a thin layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it several inches away from the main stem to prevent rot.

Pro Tip

Prune lightly immediately after the main flowering flush in fall; cutting back into old, leafless wood prevents new bud development and leaves permanent bare patches.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in a highly draining soil mix to prevent root rot.
Prune lightly in fall to maintain a dense, compact habit.
Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings once established.

Don't

Do not apply heavy phosphorus or rich general-purpose fertilizers.
Do not overwater during periods of high summer humidity.
Do not prune harshly into old, bare wood.

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

XeriscapingHedgesWildlife GardensWindbreaks

Companion Plants

Rosmarinus officinalis Salvia apiana Agave

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Twiggy Emu-bush questions

What zones can Twiggy Emu-bush grow in?

Twiggy 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.

Is Twiggy Emu-bush deer resistant?

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

When does Twiggy Emu-bush bloom?

Twiggy Emu-bush typically blooms in spring through fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Twiggy Emu-bush need full sun?

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

Is Twiggy Emu-bush drought tolerant?

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