Eremophila Maculata
Eremophila maculata (Ker Gawl.) F.Muell.
Eremophila maculata, the spotted emu bush, is the most widespread and most frequently cultivated species in the large Australian genus Eremophila. A tough, free-flowering shrub from inland Australia, it produces abundant tubular flowers in an extraordinary range of colours and blooms most prolifically through winter and spring, exactly when gardens need colour most.
Scrophulariaceae
Year-round flowering is possible; most prolific in winter and spring (May to October); some flowers present in almost every month in suitable conditions
Symbolism & Meanings
Key Meanings
Perfect For
Color Meanings
Similar flowers: grevillea juniperinas and zephyranthess also share similar meanings.
Cultural Significance
Eremophila maculata holds a distinguished place in Australian botanical history as the most widespread and best-known member of the large and wholly Australian genus Eremophila. It was given its current name in 1859 by Ferdinand von Mueller, the prolific German-Australian botanist who served as Victorian Government Botanist from 1853 to 1896 and described dozens of eremophila species, many collected during expeditions to remote areas of Australia. The genus name Eremophila is derived from the Ancient Greek words eremos meaning "desert" and phileo meaning "to love," making its meaning "desert-loving," a direct reference to the arid habitats in which many species grow. The species name maculata comes from the Latin meaning "spotted," referring to the attractive spotted markings found inside the flower tube. As a plant native to the harsh inland of Australia, capable of blooming profusely through winter when most other plants are dormant, it represents a form of quiet but extraordinary generosity: producing abundant, brightly coloured, nectar-rich flowers in the most challenging seasons and environments. Indigenous Australians have long valued the sweet nectar of these flowers as a food source, sucking it directly from the tubular blooms. The species is now widely grown internationally, particularly in drought-prone garden landscapes in California and Arizona where it has found a new following among waterwise gardening enthusiasts.Shop Our Floral Collection
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Physical Characteristics
Natural Habitat
Growing Guide
Sunlight
Full sun for best flowering; tolerates very light partial shade
Water
Highly drought-tolerant once established; water approximately twice a month when established in warm weather; avoid overwatering and waterlogging; suitable for very dry summer conditions
Soil
Clay, Clay loam, Loam, Sandy loam, Sand, Well-drained to moderately drained, Alkaline to mildly acidic
Expert Growing Tips
Plant in well-drained to moderately drained soil of almost any type in full sun; unusually adaptable to both clay and sandy soils
Once established, water sparingly; approximately twice a month in warm weather is sufficient
Prune lightly after the main flowering flush to maintain a bushy, compact shape and extend the plant's lifespan; regular light pruning is preferred over infrequent hard cutting
Propagate from firm tip cuttings taken during warmer months; cuttings taken during summer strike most readily; seed germination is unreliable
Highly frost-tolerant once established; tolerates at least moderate frosts
The subspecies brevifolia has notably shorter leaves and is best suited to drier climates; it can be difficult to maintain in humid conditions
Numerous cultivars offer a wide range of flower colours including the cherry-red "Carmine Star," golden-yellow "Aurea," and orange-red "Valentine"
Caution: the plant may be toxic to livestock, particularly when in fruit; not a risk in home gardens but relevant for rural plantings near stock
Uses & Benefits
Ornamental Uses
- Feature shrub for bold winter and spring colour when few other native plants are in flower
- Informal hedge or windbreak in dry climates
- Low water-use garden planting for hot, dry inland, Mediterranean, and semi-arid regions
- Major nectar source for honeyeaters and other nectar-feeding birds
- Ground cover in low-growing and prostrate forms for weed suppression
- Widely grown in xeriscape and waterwise gardens in the USA, particularly in the south-west (California, Arizona)
Traditional Uses
- Indigenous Australians traditionally sucked the sweet nectar directly from the flowers as a food source
- Ongoing phytochemical research into the genus Eremophila has identified a range of bioactive secondary metabolites in various species including diterpenes, flavonoids, and phenylethanoid glycosides with potential anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties
- Eremophila species have historically been used in traditional Aboriginal medicine for skin conditions, respiratory ailments, and as topical treatments
Disclaimer: Information provided is for educational purposes only. Consult healthcare professionals before using any plant medicinally.
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions about the Eremophila Maculata
What does eremophila maculata mean?
The genus name Eremophila comes from the Ancient Greek words eremos meaning "desert" and phileo meaning "to love," so Eremophila means "desert-loving," a reference to the arid habitats where many species grow. The species name maculata is Latin for "spotted," referring to the distinctive spotted markings found inside the flower tube, which is also the origin of the common name "spotted emu bush."
What colours do eremophila maculata flowers come in?
Eremophila maculata is exceptionally variable in flower colour, which can be red, cherry, pink, mauve, orange, yellow, cream, apricot, or purple, often varying within a single population. Some colours are more common in specific subspecies or cultivars: cherry-red is the most frequently seen in cultivation, while yellow, orange, and mauve forms are also popular. All share the characteristic spotted throat markings inside the flower tube.
Is eremophila maculata easy to grow?
Yes, it is considered the most reliably cultivated of all eremophilas. It tolerates a wide range of soil types including both clay and sand, it is highly drought-tolerant, frost-hardy, and requires very little maintenance. It thrives in full sun with occasional deep watering once established. It performs especially well in dry, Mediterranean, and semi-arid climates and is widely grown in waterwise gardens in Australia and the United States.
When does spotted emu bush flower?
While it can produce some flowers in almost any month, the most prolific flowering occurs through winter and spring, roughly May to October in Australia. This timing is particularly valuable as it provides abundant, bright, nectar-rich flowers at precisely the time of year when few other native plants are in bloom, making it an important resource for honeyeaters and other nectarivorous birds through the cold months.
Does eremophila maculata attract birds?
Yes, it is one of the best bird-attracting native plants available for dry-climate gardens. Its abundant tubular flowers produce copious nectar that draws honeyeaters, New Holland Honeyeaters, Eastern Spinebills, and other nectarivorous birds. The plant is also an important winter food source for birds in dry inland areas where few other nectar-producing plants are available in the cold months.
Available Colors
Quick Facts
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