Eremophila hygrophana, commonly known as the Blue Emu Bush, is a compact flowering shrub native to Western Australia. With its soft grey-green foliage and striking mauve to purple flowers, it’s a standout choice for dry, sunny gardens.
This low-maintenance Australian native is especially valued for its colour-changing blooms and ability to thrive in hot, arid conditions. It’s also popular in overseas climates like California and Texas where conditions suit its growth.
How To Grow Eremophila hygrophana – Basic Care
This evergreen shrub is best grown in a garden bed with a raised garden bed (mounded up soil) to improve drainage beneficial.
Eremophila hygrophana is relatively easy to grow when planted in the right conditions.
- Position: Full sun is essential for healthy growth and flowering
- Soil: Well-drained soil is critical; raised beds or mounded planting improve drainage
- Climate: Best suited to dry climates; does not perform well in humidity
- Watering: Low water requirements once established
Care and Maintenance
This species naturally forms a compact shape, making it ideal for low-maintenance gardens.
- Pruning: Minimal pruning required; tip prune after flowering to encourage bushier growth
- Hard pruning: Not recommended
- Containers: Can be grown in pots short-term, but performs best in the ground
- Placement: Plant near the front of garden beds to showcase flowers
Fertiliser Requirements
Eremophila hygrophana is not a heavy feeder and generally performs well in low-nutrient soils.
- Fertiliser type: Use a low-phosphorus native plant fertiliser, as high phosphorus levels can harm Eremophila species
- Timing: Apply lightly in spring if needed; avoid over-fertilising
- Organic options: A small amount of well-aged compost or a light mulch can help improve soil structure without overstimulating growth
- Established plants: Often require little to no additional feeding once established
Too much fertiliser can lead to excessive soft growth and reduce flowering, so it’s best to keep feeding minimal.
Summary Information
- Botanical Name – Eremophila hygrophana
- Common Name – Blue Emu Bush
- Height – Will reach 1 metre.
- Spread – To around 1 metre.
- Growth Rate – Slow to Medium.
- Position – Full Sun.
- Soil – A well drained soil is essential.
- Foliage – Silvery green. The fine hairs on the foliage provide some insulation from very hot conditions.
- Flowers – Mauve to purple
- Flowering period – The main flowering time is from autumn to early summer.
Related Eremophila Varieties
Explore more varieties suited to Australian gardens:
