Eremophila calorhabdos is a striking upright emu bush with a naturally narrow habit, fine foliage, and elegant spikes of tubular flowers. Growing to around 1.5–3 metres high and 0.5–2 metres wide, it is an excellent choice for gardeners wanting a taller Eremophila for structure, screening, habitat value, and long-lasting flower colour.
At Sylvaterre, our Eremophila calorhabdos potted plants are given extra nursery time because this species benefits greatly from formative pruning at an early age and it can be very unattractive in a garden without that early pruning. This means plants may spend up to three years in our nursery before being made available for sale, allowing us to offer stronger, bushier, better-shaped plants that establish more confidently in gardens and pots.
The flowers are produced along upright stems, creating a distinctive spiked effect that sets this species apart from many other Eremophilas. Flower colour is typically in shades of pink, mauve, purple, or reddish-purple, depending on form, and the blooms are attractive to nectar-feeding birds and insects.
Flowers
• Tubular flowers held along upright stems, creating attractive flower spikes.
• Flower colour may range from pink to mauve, purple, or reddish-purple.
• Flowers are nectar-rich and attract honeyeaters, native bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
• The upright floral display makes this species especially useful as a feature shrub.
Foliage
• Narrow green foliage on upright stems.
• Naturally vertical habit provides height and structure in native gardens.
• Responds well to early pruning, becoming denser and more garden-worthy.
• Useful contrast plant among lower shrubs, grasses, and groundcovers.
Cultivation
Soil:
Best grown in well-drained soil. Suitable for sandy, loamy, gravelly, or lightly clay-based soils if drainage is adequate. In heavier soils, plant on a mound or raised bed.
Sunlight:
Prefers full sun for best growth and flowering. It will tolerate very light shade, but flowering and density are usually strongest in open sunny positions.
Watering:
Water regularly while establishing. Once established, it is drought tolerant and needs little supplementary water except during extended dry periods.
Frost tolerance:
Generally frost tolerant once established, especially in well-drained positions. Young plants may benefit from protection from severe frost while establishing.
Drought tolerance:
Drought tolerant once established and well suited to dry native gardens, inland gardens, and low-water landscapes.
Pruning:
Pruning is very important for this species. Begin tip-pruning when young to encourage branching and prevent a sparse, leggy shape. Light pruning after flowering will help maintain a dense, attractive plant.
Fertiliser:
Use a low-phosphorus native fertiliser sparingly in spring if needed. Avoid overfeeding and avoid wet, poorly drained soils.
Uses
• Tall feature shrub for native and dry-climate gardens.
• Excellent as a narrow screen, backdrop, or structural plant.
• Suitable for large pots or containers, especially when pruned from a young age.
• Valuable in bird-attracting and habitat-focused gardens.
• Good for semi-arid, waterwise, and low-maintenance landscapes.
• Useful where height is needed without excessive width.
Habitat Value
Eremophila calorhabdos is a valuable nectar plant for habitat gardens. Its tubular flowers attract honeyeaters, while also supporting native bees, butterflies, hoverflies, and other beneficial insects.
The upright, branching habit provides perching and shelter opportunities for small birds and creates vertical structure in mixed native plantings. When combined with lower Eremophilas, native grasses, and groundcovers, Spiked Eremophila helps build a layered, resilient garden habitat.
Growing Tips
Plant in a sunny, well-drained position with good airflow. Water regularly during establishment, then reduce watering once the plant is growing strongly.
This species benefits enormously from early and regular pruning. Tip-prune young plants to encourage side branching and a fuller shape. After flowering, trim lightly to maintain density and prevent plants becoming too tall and open.
For containers, choose a large pot with a free-draining native potting mix and avoid saucers that hold water. Regular light pruning is especially important for potted plants to keep them compact and well-shaped.
Sylvaterre Eremophila Range
Sylvaterre Native Nursery grows the largest and most diverse collection of Eremophila plants on the east coast of Australia, with more than 50 different species and forms available at different times of the year. From rare collector’s plants to hardy garden performers, our Eremophila range is ideal for drought-tolerant, bird-attracting, and habitat-focused native gardens.
Shipping Note
At Sylvaterre Native Nursery, every plant is treated with care and respect. Unlike many online nurseries that ship tubestock lying flat — often stacked on top of each other in standard Australia Post boxes — all Sylvaterre plants are shipped upright in custom-made cardboard plant boxes. This helps ensure they arrive healthy, happy, and ready to thrive in your garden or pots. See our shipping cartons in the image gallery.
