Eremophila attenuata Plant Care

Eremophila attenuata Chinnock

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Eremophila attenuata, also known as Connie Sue poverty bush, is a flowering plant in the figwort family, Scrophulariaceae and is endemic to a small area in the south-east of Western Australia. It is a shrub with many branches often ending in a spine.

🌼Perennials🌻Annuals
Water

Every 7–14 days

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Temp

50–90°F

Humidity

30–60%

At a glance

How do you care for Eremophila attenuata?

Plant Eremophila attenuata in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 12a) and water a young shrub every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 50–90°F (10–32°C). Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Eremophila attenuata Native To?

Native range1 country

What Is the Eremophila attenuata?

Eremophila attenuata (Eremophila attenuata) belongs to the Scrophulariaceae family within the Eremophila genus. Eremophila attenuata is native to a small area in the south-east of Western Australia.

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

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Eremophila attenuata?

Water a young or newly planted Eremophila attenuata 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.

Watering Frequency

Every 7–14 days

Until established; then in dry spells

What Light Does the Eremophila attenuata Need?

Eremophila attenuata thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Light Requirement

Full sun to partial shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Eremophila attenuata Prefer?

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

Temperature

50–90°F

Humidity

30–60%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Eremophila attenuata?

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

How Often Should You Fertilize a Eremophila attenuata?

Feed Eremophila attenuata 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.

Fertilizing

Every 8 months

During the growing season

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

Where Should You Plant a Eremophila attenuata?

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 attenuata 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.

How Far Apart Should You Plant a Eremophila attenuata?

Eremophila attenuata 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.

How Do You Prune a Eremophila attenuata?

Prune Eremophila attenuata 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.

How Do You Care for a Eremophila attenuata in Winter?

Eremophila attenuata 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.

How Do You Propagate a Eremophila attenuata?

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

Is the Eremophila attenuata Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Eremophila attenuata, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.

This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

What Pests and Diseases Affect the Eremophila attenuata?

Eremophila attenuata 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.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Eremophila attenuata Need?

Eremophila attenuata grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Eremophila attenuata is native to a small area in the south-east of Western Australia. In cooler regions, grow Eremophila attenuata as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 12a

Keep exploring plants

Eremophila attenuata is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.

It belongs to the Eremophila genus — compare its care with other Eremophila species on PlantoScan.

Eremophila is part of the Scrophulariaceae plant family — browse all Scrophulariaceae genera and species.

Eremophila attenuata thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

More Eremophila Species

Other Eremophila species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Eremophila attenuata Chinnock, family Scrophulariaceae (first published in Eremophila : 376 (2007)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Eremophila attenuata, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
  • Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.

Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.

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