Eremophila acrida Plant Care

Eremophila acrida (Eremophila acrida) belongs to the Scrophulariaceae family within the Eremophila genus. Eremophila acrida is native to arid areas in the Northern Territory and Queensland in Australia.

Eremophila acrida displays a compact, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 4 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Eremophila acrida produces tubular flowers in shades of purple, pink, or white.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Eremophila acrida every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Eremophila acrida thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Eremophila acrida tolerates temperatures of 50–90°F. Eremophila acrida prefers humidity levels of 30–60%.

Well-draining sandy soil with added organic matter for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Eremophila acrida to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Eremophila acrida every 8 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy soil with added organic matter for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Eremophila acrida is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Eremophila acrida can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 4 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Eremophila acrida while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Eremophila acrida is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Eremophila acrida can be propagated through softwood cuttings, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to eremophila plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Eremophila acrida is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Eremophila acrida grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Eremophila acrida is native to arid areas in the Northern Territory and Queensland in Australia. In cooler regions, grow Eremophila acrida as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.