Eremophila rugosa Plant Care

Eremophila rugosa (Eremophila rugosa) belongs to the Scrophulariaceae family within the Eremophila genus. Eremophila rugosa is native to Western Australia.

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

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Eremophila rugosa 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 rugosa thrives in full sun to partial shade.

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

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

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