Care of the shrub Eremophila glabra or Tar bush |
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The genus Eremophila, family Scrophulariaceae, includes 250 species of shrubs and trees native to Australia. Some species are: Eremophila glabra, Eremophila divaricata, Eremophila laanii, Eremophila veronica, Eremophila compacta, Eremophila maculata. Common names: Common emu bush, Tar bush. They are evergreen shrubs with an erect or creeping habit that reach 3 meters (9.84 feet) in height. The leaves are greyish green in color and linear, lanceolate or oval in shape. The showy and abundant tubular flowers can be red, orange or yellow. They bloom in spring and summer. Tar bush is used to form windbreaking bars, in bushy groups, in low-maintenance areas of the garden, and in pots and planters. Eremophila glabra can grow in full sun, semi-shade, or even shade exposures (it will produce fewer flowers). Frost resistance down to -8 ºC (17.6 ºF). The soil can be a garden substrate with 20% coarse sand and 10% organic matter. It can be grown in sandy, poor or dry soils. Water regularly in summer waiting for the soil to dry out; the rest of the year water occasionally. Common emu bush resists drought very well. Fertilize with a little compost in late winter. Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a compact appearance. Eremophila glabra is a plant resistant to pests and diseases but sensitive to excess watering. Common emu bush propagates by seeds sown in spring but it's a slow process; it's easier to do it from cuttings after flowering. |
Images of the shrub Eremophila glabra or Tar bush |
 Eremophila glabra |