Consulta Plantas

Care of the shrub Eremophila divaricata or Spreading emu bush

The genus Eremophila, family Scrophulariaceae, includes 250 species of shrubs and trees native to Australia. Some species are: Eremophila divaricata, Eremophila glabra, Eremophila laanii, Eremophila veronica, Eremophila compacta, Eremophila maculata.

Common name: Spreading emu bush.

They are evergreen shrubs with arched branches that reach 1.5 meters (4.92 feet) in height and 2 meters (6.56 feet) in width. The leaves are small, linear, alternately arranged and of an intense green color. The showy and abundant lipped flowers are lilac, pink or white with purple spots. They can bloom from spring to mid-summer.

Spreading emu bush is used in borders, bushy groups, as isolated specimens and in pots for terraces.

Eremophila divaricata needs full sun or semi-shade exposure and a warm climate. It resists frosts down to -8 ºC (17.6 ºF).

Spreading emu bush can grow in any type of soil (poor, sandy, clayey) but prefers well-drained soil that contains a little organic matter.

Water moderately, waiting until the substrate has dried well.

Fertilize with compost in early spring.

Prune in late winter to maintain a more compact demeanor and remove dry branches.

Eremophila divaricata is a very resistant plant to the usual pests and diseases.

Spreading emu bush propagates from cuttings.

Images of the shrub Eremophila divaricata or Spreading emu bush