After a lot of debate with myself, I decided against purchasing the Easter Egg Bush (Eremophila racemosa) I had planned for this spring, and instead, went with another Eremophila species, E. hygrophana. It joins the Valentine Emu and Yellow Emu bushes I already have in my garden. This new Emu Bush has beautiful light purple flowers and silvery gray, fuzzy leaves.
When mature, the E. hygrophana can be mistaken for another shrub, Texas Sage (Leucophyllum frutescens) because the flowers and leaves on the E. hygrophana resemble enlarged versions of the L. frutescens flowers and leaves. Although the resemblance is there, these two are not even in the same family.
This plant is perfect for my desert garden because:
1. It takes full sun exposure in Phoenix
2. Tubular flowers attract hummingbirds
3. Flowers and foliage year-round
4. Stays small—about 2 feet high and wide
5. Needs minimal pruning and shaping
6. Looks good with all the yellow in my garden
7. Low water use
8. Hardy to 20ยบ F
11 comments:
All great reasons to have it! (I'm sure you didn't need my endorsement!) ha. How did you come to call them "Emu" bushes? Kinda looks like one. :-)
How pretty!. I went back and checked out the red and yellow varities. Like them all. Those 2 look almost like lilies. And... bonus! The hummers like them.
Some time you will have to show us a wider shot of your gardens.
Wow! Your eight points sound like the perfect plant for anywhere hot and dry! I wonder if it's available out here in CA. By the way, the Huntington was having a sale on cacti and succulents. I'll be posting some images from the sale shortly.
Hi... I've been reading your blog for a month or so. I, too, live in Phoenix; however, I live in the older part with flood irrigation every two weeks, from April through October. If you can, can you tell me what would be the best way to make a succulent garden in my yard? I've considered containers as well as raised berm on the west side of the yard.
Any help you can give would be much appreciated!
Very gorgeous flower and it's purple, my favorite color! I especially like that the leaves are fuzzy.
It is stunning how many different of these wonderful and colourful plants have their home in your garden. Every botanical garden here would be jealous seeing them...
Nice plant. I need to visit more often and check out how you garden in your area. My little sister recently moved to NM and could use some pointers.
Very interesting plant! Love the purple flowers.
This flower is beautiful! I've never seen it before here in the valley... I'll keep my eyes out for it now.
You've inspired me to blog about some of my favorites
:-)
-Andrew-
The name, Emu Bush originated in Australia because it was believed the Emu bird eats the hard fruits, but that is not true in general. The Emu bird does consume fruits from a few Eremophila species, but not the ones available here in the the U.S.
This is a perfect and handy plant to have around! It is something I would LOVE!!! Beautiful and functional. It's a great producer!
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