Prostrate Burgundy Emu Bush

Prostrate Burgundy Emu Bush (Eremophila glabra 'Prostrate Burgundy') is a wide-spreading native groundcover that stays about 30cm tall and spreads to around 2m. Small grey-green leaves carpet the ground, and small warm red-brown flowers open in winter. It was bred for tricky sites, and it is equally happy in the outback or at the coast.

Why you'll love it

• A native groundcover that flowers. Winter flowers are a bonus on a groundcover, and these are a warm red-brown among grey-green leaves.
• Bred for hard sites. Developed for landscaping tricky sites, it copes with the dry, exposed spots that defeat many groundcovers.
• Drought and frost tolerant. Once established it copes with dry spells and frost.
• Works as living mulch. The spreading stems shade the soil, which cuts weed growth and keeps moisture in.
• Good for wildlife. The flowers offer winter nectar, and a low native groundcover suits a wildlife garden.

Where it works best

Groundcover and living mulch. Plant 1.5m apart. Each plant spreads to about 2m, so the stems meet within a couple of seasons and form a continuous mat.

Slopes and erosion control. The spreading stems help hold soil on banks and batters, and tolerate the dry conditions that go with them.

Coastal gardens. It is at home near the coast, making it a sound choice for exposed verges and front gardens.

Growing Prostrate Burgundy Emu Bush in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun and low humidity suit it best. It tolerates frost and drought once established. Eremophila means 'desert loving', so it is most at home in Mediterranean, arid and semi-arid, warm temperate and cool temperate gardens. In humid subtropical regions, choose the sunniest and best-drained site you have.

Soil. It grows in any soil that drains well. Mulch after planting to hold moisture and keep soil temperature even while the young plant settles in.

Water and feed. Water regularly through the first summer so the roots settle, then leave it to the weather. After a light prune, feed with a native slow release fertiliser.

Pruning. A light prune once flowering has finished will give the plant shape. Remove stray stems that reach into paths and keep the mat neat.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Prostrate Burgundy Emu Bush as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. Tubes are the practical way to cover a bank or large bed, since you need several plants and they spread fast once the roots are in warm soil. Expect a small plant at first, with spreading stems developing over the first season.

Tube stock comes from our grower and is not always available. When the grower has none, the tube shows as sold out on this page, and the notify button emails you the day it is back.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Groundcovers for Australian gardens
• Plants for coastal areas
• Plants for banks and retaining walls
• A guide to the best groundcover plants

Common questions

How far will it spread?

About 2m wide and 30cm high. Plant 1.5m apart for a continuous mat, or 2m apart if you prefer the plants to stay as separate mounds for a while.

Does it work on slopes?

Yes. It is used for erosion control, and the dense mat of stems holds the soil. Keep it mulched while young.

What colour are the flowers?

A warm red-brown. The flowers are small and modest rather than showy, a quiet bonus in winter.