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Extract from the Colourful WaterWise Gardening
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EREMOPHILA |
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 Eremophila maculata - leaf and flower detail.
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Botanical Family
MYOPORACEAE Genus EREMOPHILA Place of Origin Australia (New South Wales, Northern Territory, Queesland, South Australia, Victoria, Western Australia) Species Eremophila glabra, Eremophila maculata, Eremophila oppositifolia Refer to Appendix for more species Height Prostrate-3m/10ft (species dependent) Flower Colour Pink, Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Purple, White Flowering Season Late Autumn, Winter, Spring, Summer Zones 9-10 Common Name Emu Bush, Poverty Bush Evergreen Shrub The genus varies from prostrate to tall shrubs and small trees. Foliage is variable and may be hairy or wax coated. The tubular, lipped flowers come in shades of pink, red, orange, yellow, deep burgundy, green, white or purple, often with a spotted throat. They appear throughout the year, with the main flush, depending on the species, from late autumn into summer. The flowers attract nectar feeding birds. Eremophilas are beautiful shrubs for arid, semi arid, warm temperate and mediterranean areas. These shrubs withstand hot dry winds, require full sun, good drainage in slightly alkaline soil and once established require very little water, if any at all. They are not tolerant of humidity, high rainfall and tropical conditions. Plants benefit from tip pruning when young to encourage a bushy habit. The smaller forms of Eremophila are suitable for pot culture. Scale is the most common pest which can be treated with white oil. Propagation of Eremophilas is usually by cuttings. Some species may be slow to take and require an application of a low strength rooting hormone. Seed is hard and often difficult to germinate. Highly drought tolerant. Species Eremophila glabra Eremophila glabra is a very variable species in habit and foliage. Forms range from prostrate to 1.5m (5ft) high and with a spread of 1-3m (3-10ft). Branches can be slightly or densely covered in small hairs, foliage lanceolate or oval, smooth or hairy, and green or grey. Young foliage is sticky to touch. Flowering is mainly in spring and summer but spot flowering occurs throughout the year. The 3cm (1.25in) tubular flowers are red, orange, yellow or green.
A position in full sun is preferable but very light shade is tolerated at the expense of flower production. Many forms have adapted well to cultivation and do well in most soil types with good drainage. Seaside plantings may require some protection from salt spray, light to medium frosts and heavy pruning are tolerated. Propagates easily from cuttings. Grey mould may be a problem during flowering. Highly drought tolerant. Species Eremophila
maculata A beautiful rounded, dense shrub for cultivation. It is the most commonly grown and is very reliable. This shrub has downy branches and ranges in habit from prostrate to 3m (10ft) high with a similar spread. The green to grey- green foliage is linear to ovate, and may also be covered in fine hairs. Eremophila maculata flowers mainly during winter and spring, although flowers can appear throughout the year. The 2.5cm (1in) tubular flowers have a deeply cut, curled lower lip, spotted cream throats and protruding stamens. Flower colours are pink, red, purplish-maroon, orange, yellow or purple.
A free flowering shrub for full sun to partial shade. Well draining medium to heavier soils are preferable to sandy. This shrub is frost resistant and tolerates coastal conditions with some protection. Suitable for informal and formal hedging (it responds well to clipping), groundcovers (prostrate forms) and pot culture. Regular tip pruning will keep a compact shape. Propagate from seed or half ripe cuttings. Grey mould may be a problem during flowering. Highly drought tolerant. Warning Species Eremophila oppositifolia var. oppositifolia The beautiful foliage of Eremophila oppositifolia makes it useful as a feature plant. This shrub has a rounded habit and can reach 3m (10ft) with a similar diameter. The linear grey-green leaves are very long, up to 10cm (4in) and borne on grey branches covered in fine hairs. Pink, purple or white 3cm (1.25in) tubular flowers bloom over a long period from mid winter to early summer and often intermittently throughout the year. The flowers have red or cream calyces which remain after flowering and add further interest to the shrub. A frost hardy shrub for arid, semi arid and mediterranean regions in most well drained soils. Full sun is preferable, however it will tolerate partial sun or dappled shade in areas with high temperatures. Tip prune early to encourage bushy growth. Suitable for pot culture. Propagate from seed or cuttings. Highly drought tolerant. |
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| Text & Photos (unless otherwise stated) © Copyright Lyn Phillips 1999-2007 © Copyright Design The WaterWise Garden 1999-2007 ABN 94 911 811 923 All rights reserved. Unauthorised reproduction prohibited. Last Updated 08 Apr 2008 |
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