Summertime Blue Emu Bush

Summertime Blue Emu Bush (Eremophila hybrid 'Summertime Blue') is a tall, bushy native shrub about 1.5m to 2m high and wide, with a weeping, fountain habit. Cool, pale purple tubular flowers, freckled inside, cover it mainly in summer and sporadically at other times. Despite the name the colour is pale purple, not blue, and it makes a lovely partner for pink emu bushes.

Why you'll love it

• A summer flowerer. Plenty of native shrubs flower in spring, but this one carries its flowers through summer, with the odd flush at other times.
• A graceful habit. The weeping, fountain shape deserves space to shine and softens fences and walls.
• Pale purple freckled flowers. A soft, cool colour that pairs well with pink emu bushes.
• Easy to please. It grows in clay, loam or sand and is tolerant of light frost and drought once established.
• Fire retardant. It counts as a fire retardant plant, which helps where bushfire is a concern.

Where it works best

Native borders. Plant 1.5m apart at the back of a border. The arching stems drape over lower plants in front.

Companion plantings. It pairs well in looks with airy natives such as waxflower, crowea, epacris, bauera and boronia. Those prefer more water, so give them the cooler, moister side of the bed.

Feature shrub. A single plant makes a statement on its own, where the full fountain shape can be seen and visiting birds can reach the flowers.

Growing Summertime Blue Emu Bush in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun gives the best flowering, and it likes low humidity. It tolerates light frost and drought once established, and suits Mediterranean, arid and semi-arid, warm temperate and cool temperate gardens. It tolerates some humidity and occasional seasonal flooding, so subtropical gardeners can try it in the sunniest, best-drained spot.

Soil. Sand, loam or clay all suit it, provided the soil drains well and is neutral to alkaline. Mulch after planting to hold moisture and moderate soil temperature while the young plant establishes. Keep it away from sewer pipes.

Water and feed. Water regularly through the first summer, then rely on rainfall in all but long dry spells. After pruning, feed with a native slow release fertiliser.

Pruning. Prune after the summer flowering to encourage new flowering stems to develop. Take only the tips and stay within the leafy growth.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Summertime Blue Emu Bush as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly, and in 140mm pots in packs of 10. Tubes suit a long border on a budget. The 140mm pots give a stronger plant from the start, and are a good choice if you want the fountain shape sooner.

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

• Browse Australian native plants
• More flowering plants
• A guide to creating a waterwise garden
• Plants for full sun

Common questions

Is it actually blue?

No. The flowers are a pale, cool purple. It is still a pretty shade, and a good partner for pink emu bushes.

When does it flower?

Mainly in summer, with sporadic flowers at other times of the year. Pruning after the summer flowering encourages new flowering stems.

How much space does it need?

About 1.5m to 2m in every direction. The weeping, fountain habit is at its best with room around it.