Eremophila maculata ‘Apricot’ – Apricot Spotted Emu Bush. The apricot-coloured flower form of Eremophila maculata originates primarily from the semi-arid, inland regions of South Australia in areas around Port Augusta. It is a hardy, colourful form of one of Australia’s most reliable and widely grown Eremophilas. It produces masses of apricot to soft orange tubular flowers, often with a spotted throat, creating a warm and cheerful display through the cooler months and into the growing season.
Growing to around 1–2 metres high and 1–2 metres wide, this evergreen shrub is ideal for dry native gardens, habitat plantings, low screens, informal hedges, mixed shrub borders, and large containers. Like other forms of Eremophila maculata, it is tough, adaptable, and well suited to sunny, well-drained positions. Once established, it tolerates drought, frost, heat, and low-maintenance conditions.
The apricot flower colour works beautifully with silver foliage plants, purple-flowered Eremophilas, native grasses, and darker-leaved shrubs. Its long flowering period and nectar-rich blooms make it an excellent choice for wildlife gardens, especially where honeyeaters and pollinators are encouraged.
Flowers
• Tubular flowers in warm apricot to soft orange tones.
• Flowers often have a spotted throat, typical of the species.
• Main flowering is usually from winter through summer, with spot flowering possible at other times.
• Nectar-rich blooms attract honeyeaters, native bees, butterflies, hoverflies, and other beneficial insects.
Foliage
• Evergreen foliage on a compact to spreading shrub.
• Naturally bushy when pruned from a young age.
• Provides year-round structure and shelter in native gardens.
• Attractive contrast plant among grey, silver, green, and purple-toned native plantings.
Cultivation
Soil:
Prefers well-drained soil and grows well in sandy, loamy, gravelly, or clay loam soils where drainage is adequate. Avoid prolonged waterlogging.
Sunlight:
Best in full sun, where flowering is strongest and growth remains compact. It will tolerate light shade, though flowering may be reduced.
Watering:
Water regularly while establishing. Once established, it is drought tolerant and requires minimal supplementary watering except during extended dry periods.
Frost tolerance:
Frost tolerant once established and suitable for many inland and cool-climate native gardens.
Drought tolerance:
Highly drought tolerant once established and ideal for waterwise, dryland, and semi-arid gardens.
Pruning:
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a compact, dense shape and encourage fresh flowering growth. Avoid severe pruning into old bare wood unless necessary.
Fertiliser:
Use a low-phosphorus native fertiliser sparingly in spring if required. Avoid overfeeding and wet soils.
Uses
• Feature shrub for dry native gardens.
• Excellent bird-attracting and pollinator-friendly plant.
• Suitable for large pots and containers with free-draining potting mix.
• Useful as an informal hedge, low screen, or mixed border shrub.
• Ideal for waterwise, semi-arid, and low-maintenance gardens.
• Adds warm apricot colour to winter and spring plantings.
• Excellent in mixed Eremophila collections and habitat gardens.
Habitat Value
Eremophila maculata ‘Apricot’ is an excellent nectar plant for wildlife gardens. Its tubular flowers attract honeyeaters and other nectar-feeding birds, while also supporting native bees, butterflies, hoverflies, and beneficial insects.
The dense shrub form provides shelter for small birds and invertebrates, especially when lightly pruned to maintain a bushy habit. Its extended flowering season helps provide nectar across multiple seasons, making it valuable in habitat-focused native gardens.
Growing Tips
Plant in a sunny, well-drained position and water through the first summer to establish a strong root system. Once established, this is a tough, low-maintenance shrub that needs little attention.
Tip-prune young plants to encourage branching, then lightly prune after flowering to maintain shape and promote more blooms. In large pots, use a free-draining native potting mix and avoid saucers that hold water.
Allow enough room for the plant to spread naturally, or prune regularly if using it as a tighter hedge or low screen.
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.
