Eremophila maculata, commonly known as Spotted Emu Bush, is a drought tolerant flowering shrub that brings vibrant color and a refined texture into the landscape. It’s a great choice for adding seasonal interest while maintaining a low water planting palette.

The foliage is small, narrow, and often slightly glossy, forming a dense, compact shrub. Depending on the selection, the leaves can range from bright green to more muted tones, giving it flexibility in different design styles.

From late winter through spring, and sometimes intermittently throughout the year, it produces tubular flowers in shades of red, pink, coral, or yellow. The blooms are vivid and attract hummingbirds, adding both color and movement.

It has a naturally rounded to slightly upright growth habit, making it useful as a low hedge, accent shrub, or as part of a layered drought tolerant planting.

Eremophila maculata grows best in full sun and requires well drained soil. It thrives in dry conditions and should be kept on the drier side once established.

It typically reaches about 4 to 6 feet tall and wide, depending on the variety, forming a dense, manageable shrub. It is well suited for USDA zones 9 through 11. The foliage is evergreen.

This plant has low toxicity and is generally safe for gardens with pets and children.

The flowers attract pollinators such as bees and are especially attractive to hummingbirds.

It is generally deer resistant.

Eremophila maculata fits especially well into Mediterranean, desert, and Australian-inspired garden designs, where its color and drought tolerance make it a strong performer.

It pairs well with plants like Grevillea ‘Superb’ to create a vibrant, complementary color palette, Lomandra ‘Platinum Beauty’ to add a clean, textural base, Phormium for an upright accent, and Senecio serpens to introduce a cool toned ground layer that balances the warmer flower colors.

Expert Tip:

Place this in full sun with excellent drainage, because it performs best in dry, open conditions. Avoid heavy soils or frequent watering, as too much moisture can lead to decline.

— Nick from Rooted Theory