Sticky Eremophila Plant Care

Eremophila glutinosa Chinnock

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Eremophila glutinosa, commonly known as sticky emu bush, is a flowering plant in the figwort family, Scrophulariaceae and is endemic to Western Australia. It is an erect, densely foliaged shrub with branches and leaves sticky and shiny due to the presence of resin.

🌼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 Sticky Eremophila?

Plant Sticky Eremophila 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 Sticky Eremophila Native To?

Native range1 country

What Is the Sticky Eremophila?

Sticky Eremophila (Eremophila glutinosa) belongs to the Scrophulariaceae family within the Eremophila genus. Sticky Eremophila is native to Western Australia. Sticky Eremophila is also known as Glutinous Eremophila.

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

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Sticky Eremophila?

Water a young or newly planted Sticky Eremophila 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 Sticky Eremophila Need?

Sticky Eremophila thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Light Requirement

Full sun to partial shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Sticky Eremophila Prefer?

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

Temperature

50–90°F

Humidity

30–60%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Sticky Eremophila?

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

How Often Should You Fertilize a Sticky Eremophila?

Feed Sticky Eremophila 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 Sticky Eremophila?

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.

Sticky Eremophila 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 Sticky Eremophila?

Sticky Eremophila 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 Sticky Eremophila?

Prune Sticky Eremophila 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 Sticky Eremophila in Winter?

Sticky Eremophila 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 Sticky Eremophila?

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

Is the Sticky Eremophila Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Sticky Eremophila, 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 Sticky Eremophila?

Sticky Eremophila 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 Sticky Eremophila Need?

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

Hardiness Zone

Zone 12a

Keep exploring plants

Sticky Eremophila 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.

Sticky Eremophila 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 glutinosa Chinnock, family Scrophulariaceae (first published in J. Adelaide Bot. Gard. 1: 240 (1979)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Sticky Eremophila, 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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