How to Grow Emu Bush

A stunning small shrub with purple tubular flowers appearing from Spring to Summer and soft silvery leaves, the Emu Bush is a great feature plant for dry gardens. It is also a great addition to attract bees and nectar feeding birds to the garden.

Full sun

Water well after planting. Requires little water once established

Well drained

Not suitable for cool climates

How to grow emu bush in a garden

Step 1

Choose a place in the garden that gets full sun to part shade.

Step 2

Enrich the soil with Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser. If the soil is clay based, add gypsum and compost and fork in well.

Step 3

Dig the planting hole twice as wide and to the same depth as the root-ball. Remove the plant from the container, gently tease the roots.

Step 4

Position in hole and backfill with soil, gently firming down. Form a raised or doughnut shaped ring of soil around the outer edge of the plant's root zone. This helps keep water where it's needed. Always water in well after planting to settle the soil around the roots and keep the soil moist for several weeks while the new plant establishes.

Step 5

Mulch around the base with organic mulch, keeping it away from the trunk.

Step 6

Feed in Autumn and Spring with Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser to ensure strong root development.

How to grow emu bush in a pot

Step 1

Choose a pot that is at least twice the size of the selected plant. Position in the garden that receives full sun to part shade.

Step 2

Fill the pot with quality potting mix, such as Yates Potting Mix with Dynamic Lifter.

Step 3

Remove the plant from the container, gently tease the roots.

Step 4

Position in hole and backfill with potting mix, gently firming down. Water in well.

Step 5

Mulch around the base with organic mulch, keeping it away from the trunk.

Step 6

Feed in Autumn and Spring with Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser to ensure strong root development.

Growing tips

Lightly prune the bush after flowering ensuring not to cut back to the hard wood.
Most common variety is the E. nivea which can grow up to 2 metres high and equally as wide.
May have a short life span in humid environments. Look for grafted plants or your local nursery to discover the best choice for your area.
Can handle light frosts.