Thriver™ Emu Bush

Thriver Emu Bush (Eremophila hybrid 'EREM01') is a dense, fast growing native shrub bred by Ozbreed for the tough conditions of Australia's east coast. It reaches 1.5m high and wide, or about 700mm if you prune it for a compact form, and carries vivid dark fuchsia flowers. That makes it a colourful, low maintenance choice for an informal hedge.

Why you'll love it

• Dark fuchsia flowers. Vivid blooms give colour through much of the year, with the heaviest display in spring and early autumn.
• Dense, fast growing habit. The dense growth fills out quickly, so a hedge or feature shrub looks established sooner.
• Bred for the east coast. Ozbreed describes it as coping with conditions from Sydney humidity to Melbourne frost, a hard brief for an emu bush, since many eremophilas dislike humid summers.
• Low maintenance. It is drought tolerant once established and needs only light pruning, or a trim every few years for a natural look.
• Food for wildlife. The nectar rich flowers attract birds and bees.

Where it works best

Informal hedges. Ozbreed recommends one to two plants per linear metre. Planting 70cm apart gives a continuous informal hedge up to 1.5m high, and a light clip after flowering keeps it neat.

Feature shrubs and borders. As a stand alone shrub allow one plant per 2 square metres, about 1.4m apart, so each can form its rounded shape. Pruned to 700mm by 700mm it makes a compact border plant.

Windbreaks, slopes and raised gardens. Ozbreed lists all three. Slopes and raised beds also give the sharp drainage that eremophilas prefer.

Growing Thriver Emu Bush in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to part shade. Ozbreed recommends it for New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania, and says only parts of Queensland may suit it. Treat it as a plant for temperate gardens first.

Soil. It tolerates clay, loam and sand. Even so, good drainage is the safest policy, because eremophilas resent wet roots in a humid summer. On clay, plant on a low mound.

Water and feed. Water regularly while it settles in, then step back, because established plants are drought tolerant. A slow release fertiliser in spring boosts growth if you want a bigger plant sooner.

Pruning. For a manicured look, prune lightly after flowering in spring and again in early autumn. For a natural look, prune only every few years. Cut into soft growth rather than bare wood.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Thriver Emu Bush as tube stock and in 140mm pots in packs of 10. Tube stock comes from our grower and is not always available, so the tube shows as sold out when the grower has none. The notify button on this page emails you the day it is back. The 140mm pots give a stronger start for a hedge, and growth is quick once the plants settle into warm soil.

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

• More Australian native plants
• Hedging and screening plants
• Drought tolerant plants for dry gardens
• See the full Ozbreed range

Common questions

How far apart should I plant it for a hedge?

Plant 70cm apart in a single row. Ozbreed's range is one to two plants per linear metre, and 70cm sits comfortably within it.

How big does it get?

Up to 1.5m high and wide if left alone, or about 700mm by 700mm if you prune it for a compact form.

Will it grow in Queensland?

Ozbreed says only parts of Queensland may suit it, so we recommend it first for New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania.