Spiny Emu Bush Plant Care

Spiny Emu Bush (Eremophila spinescens) belongs to the Scrophulariaceae family within the Eremophila genus. Spiny Emu Bush is native to Western Australia.

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

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Spiny Emu Bush 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.

Spiny Emu Bush thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Eremophila spinescens tolerates temperatures of 50–90°F. Spiny Emu Bush prefers humidity levels of 30–60%.

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

Feed Spiny Emu Bush 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.

Spiny Emu Bush 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.

Spiny Emu Bush 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 Spiny Emu Bush 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.

Spiny Emu Bush 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.

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

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

Spiny Emu Bush 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.

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