Eremophila divaricata – Spreading Emu Bush
Vulnerable to extinction in Victoria. A tough, adaptable Australian native shrub with fine foliage, tangled spreading branches, and pretty mauve to pink tubular flowers with beautifully spotted throats. It is a hardy species for dry native gardens, habitat plantings, low screens, and informal hedging, especially where drought tolerance and resilience are important.
Naturally found across inland and eastern Australia, from southern Queensland through New South Wales and Victoria to south-eastern South Australia, this species often grows on floodplains and heavier soils associated with the Murray, Darling, Paroo and lower Murrumbidgee river systems. It is well adapted to long dry periods, occasional inundation, and tough inland conditions.
In cultivation, Eremophila divaricata usually grows around 1–2 m high and 1–3 m wide, with a naturally arching, spreading form. The branches can become intertwined and may develop firm or spiny tips, creating a dense sheltering structure for small wildlife. The species flowers mainly in spring and summer, adding soft colour to the garden while attracting nectar-feeding birds and insects.
Flowers
• Tubular mauve, pink, lilac, or bluish flowers with a spotted throat.
• Main flowering period is spring and summer, often profuse in good conditions.
• Flowers are well suited to honeyeaters, native bees, and other nectar-feeding wildlife.
• The spotted throat gives the flowers excellent close-up detail.
Foliage
• Narrow green leaves, generally linear to oblong.
• Fine foliage contrasts well with the spreading, tangled branch structure.
• Branches are often stiff, arching, and intertwined, creating a naturally informal habit.
• Responds well to pruning and can be maintained as a denser shrub or hedge.
Cultivation
Soil:
Adaptable to a range of soils, including sand, loam, clay, and heavier soils, provided drainage is adequate. It is also recorded as tolerating lime, salinity, and alkaline conditions, making it useful in challenging inland gardens.
Sunlight:
Best in full sun, but will tolerate part shade. Full sun encourages denser growth and stronger flowering.
Watering:
Water regularly while establishing. Once established, it needs minimal supplementary water and tolerates long dry periods.
Frost tolerance:
Frost tolerant, with some sources noting tolerance of heavy frost once established.
Drought tolerance:
Highly drought tolerant once established and well suited to dry native and semi-arid gardens.
Pruning:
Prune after flowering or as needed to maintain shape. This species responds well to pruning and can recover from strong trimming.
Fertiliser:
Apply a low-phosphorus native fertiliser in spring if required. Avoid overwatering and overly rich, wet soils.
Uses
• Hardy shrub for dry native gardens and semi-arid landscapes.
• Useful as an informal screen, hedge, or shelter shrub.
• Suitable for large pots and containers while young or where drainage can be managed.
• Good for habitat gardens, especially where dense shelter is desired.
• Performs well in heavier soils, including clay, where many other native shrubs struggle.
• Suitable for inland gardens, low-maintenance plantings, and wildlife corridors.
Habitat Value
Eremophila divaricata is valuable in wildlife gardens. Its nectar-rich tubular flowers provide food for honeyeaters, native bees, and other pollinators, while its dense, tangled branches offer shelter for small birds, insects, and other garden fauna.
The shrub’s tolerance of drought, frost, heavier soils, and occasional flooding makes it especially useful for resilient habitat plantings in inland and semi-arid gardens. In mixed native plantings, it contributes both nectar resources and protective structure.
Growing Tips
Plant in a sunny, well-drained position for best flowering. Although it can tolerate heavier soils, avoid permanently wet or humid conditions, as excessive humidity can reduce performance.
Water through the first summer to establish a deep root system, then reduce watering. Prune lightly to moderately after flowering to keep the plant dense and prevent it from becoming too open or tangled. It can be used as a loose hedge or allowed to develop naturally as a spreading wildlife shrub.
For pots, use a free-draining native potting mix and choose a large container to accommodate its spreading growth.
Conservation & Distribution Note
Eremophila divaricata is endemic to Australia and occurs naturally from southern Queensland through New South Wales and Victoria to south-eastern South Australia. In Victoria it is confined to woodland communities along the floodplain of the Murray River system north-west from Kerang.
In natural systems it is often associated with floodplain communities, including river red gum and black box landscapes, where it can form dense thickets in heavier soils.
