Family: Myoporaceae
Common Name: Emu Bush, Poverty Bush

This genus comprises over 200 species of ever-green shrubs found in arid areas of Australia, though mostly in Western Australia. The foliage varies greatly. Some species have smooth, green, slightly leathery leaves, while others have silvery gray, sticky foliage covered in fine, downy hairs. The pretty, bell-shaped flowers have recurved petals and many different colours, with red, pink, cream and purple being the most common. The prostrate forms of some species are most suitable as groundcover for dry, inland gardens.

Species

Not all are available outside their native Australia.

E. alternifolia is a rounded shrub, 1-4 m (3-13 ft) tall, with tubular, pink flowers, spotted with red, from spring to autumn. The leaves are small and narrow.

E. bignoniiflora is a tall, weeping shrub, to 4 m (13 ft), with long, taper­ing, slightly sticky leaves and pendulous, cream flowers. It makes an excellent screen plant in dry areas.

E. longifolia, a favourite food of the emu, is a large, rounded shrub, 3-7 m (10-23 ft) tall, with velvety, pink flowers, spotted inside, and long, narrow, pendulous leaves.

E. macu­lata, spotted emu bush, is the most widely grown of the species. This beautiful shrub, 1-3 m (3-10 ft) tall, has red, orange, pink or white flowers, with spotted throats, for most of the year, though most abundantly in winter and spring.

E. oppositifolia is a large, rounded shrub, often reaching 4 m, (13 ft) with pink, yellow or white flowers and beautiful, gray foliage.

E. scoparia is an erect, slender shrub, to 1 m (3 ft), with violet, spring flowers and small, hooked leaves.

Cultivation

In areas prone to hard frosts, grow in an airy, cool greenhouse or conservatory, in pots of soil-based potting compost and with maximum light. Eremophila prefers a sharply drained alkaline soil and a sunny position. Propagate most species from cuttings taken in late spring. Seed is erratic in germination. Pruning after flowering helps keep plants vigorous.

Climate

Zone 9.