Eremophilas, also known as emu bushes, are beloved for their vibrant flowers and hardy nature. Traditionally, however, they haven’t been a go-to choice for gardens on Australia’s east coast. Native to the arid, sandy deserts of Western Australia, these plants often struggle in the more humid and clay-rich soils of the east, where they’ve been known to succumb quickly and live short lives.
That’s changing, though, thanks to innovative breeding and the introduction of two remarkable varieties. Blue Horizon™ Eremophila and Thriver™ Eremophila have been specifically developed to thrive in east coast conditions, including the challenging heavy clays. These two varieties are not just surviving but flourishing, even withstanding multiple flooding events. Here’s why they’re revolutionising Eremophila gardening for the east coast.
Blue Horizon™ Eremophila
1. Eremophila glabra prostrate ‘EREM1’ PBR
Trade Name Blue Horizon™
If you’re looking for a hardy ground cover with ornamental value, Blue Horizon™ Eremophila is an excellent choice. This low-growing variety forms a dense, tidy ground cover, with blue-grey foliage that adds a soft texture to your garden. Unlike other sprawling groundcovers, its shorter internodes make it compact and uniform, reducing gaps and creating a cohesive appearance.
It’s not just the foliage that captivates—Blue Horizon™ Eremophila also produces vibrant yellow flowers during winter, bringing bursts of brightness to chilly months. Its blooming adds seasonal interest and is a bonus for gardeners wanting colour when many other plants are dormant.
Blue Horizon™ Eremophila adapts well to heavier soils in drier climates, a rarity among eremophilas, as they’re typically associated with sandy or free-draining environments. It grows up to 25cm high and spreads 1 metre wide, making it ideal for mass/mixed plantings, low borders, or filling bare areas with fuss-free beauty. Place it in full sun to light shade, and it will reward you with year-round tidiness and winter highlights. For gardeners looking to reduce upkeep, this drought-tolerant plant requires minimal watering after establishment. Mild pruning every 2–3 years helps maintain a neat form.
Blue Horizon™ Eremophila
https://www.ozbreed.com.au/plant-ranges/native-shrubs-groundcovers/blue-horizon-eremophila/
2. Eremophila spp ‘EREM01’ PBR Intended
Trade Name Thriver™
For those looking for a shrub rather than a groundcover, Thriver™ Eremophila offers vibrant dark fuchsia flowers. It’s a standout performer that blooms year-round, ensuring your garden always has a pop of colour. Ideal for informal hedges, feature plantings, or structured designs, its dense foliage ensures a lush appearance, even outside the flowering season.
Thriver™ Eremophila
This shrub has also been bred specifically to handle the challenges of Australia’s east coast, thriving in climates ranging from Sydney’s humid summers to Melbourne’s frosty winters. Unlike many other Eremophilas that falter in clay soils, Thriver™ Eremophila is well-suited to heavy clays, perfect for gardens where soil conditions are less than ideal. It has even proven its worth by surviving difficult conditions like flooding, showing that it’s as tough as it is beautiful.
Thriver™ Eremophila grows up to 1.5 metres high and wide, though it can be pruned to a compact 70cm x 70cm for smaller spaces. It thrives in full sun to part shade and is drought-tolerant once established. Pruning in spring or early autumn will keep it looking its best, though it’s quite low-maintenance overall.
Thriver™ Eremophila
Why Choose These Eremophilas?
The arrival of Blue Horizon™ and Thriver™ emu bushes on the east coast gardening scene has opened new possibilities for the landscape industry. These plants bring all the charm and vibrancy of traditional eremophilas while overcoming the challenges posed by heavy soils and unpredictable weather. Whether you’re after a dense groundcover or a striking shrub, there’s now an option that suits your needs while requiring minimal maintenance and water.
- Adaptable to East Coast Conditions: Both varieties thrive in heavy clay soils, a unique feature that makes them reliable choices for the east coast.
- Hardy and Resilient: These plants not only handle drought but have also survived flooding events, showing their robust nature.
- Extended Colour: With year-round fuchsia blooms or blue-grey foliage that stays tidy, they both ensure your garden never lacks interest.
Transform Your Garden with Eremophilas
Gardeners on the east coast no longer need to shy away from eremophilas. Thanks to the hardy innovations of Blue Horizon™ Eremophila and Thriver™ Eremophila, landscaping with emu bushes is easier than ever. Incorporating these varieties into your garden design will not only enhance its appearance but also support wildlife and stand up to the challenges of Australian gardening.
Whether you choose Blue Horizon™ Eremophila for its ground-hugging blue-grey foliage and cheerful yellow blooms or Thriver™ Eremophila for its bold fuchsia flowers and upright form as a shrub, these emu bushes are sure to be star performers in any east coast garden. Add them to your planting palette and experience the resilience and beauty of these exceptional plants for yourself.