Eremophila racemosa commonly known as ‘Showy Eremophila’ is a Rare and Threatened fast-growing emu bush from a small area between Lake King and Lake Hope in southwestern Western Australia. It has a naturally neat habit, attractive green foliage and a spectacular floral display. Growing to around 1–2 m high and 1m wide, it is an excellent shrub for dry native gardens, large pots, mixed borders, low screening and bird-attracting habitat.

This species is especially valued for its profuse multi-coloured flower buds, which are carried along the stems in shades of orange, yellow and lime before opening to pink tubular flowers. The changing bud and flower colours create a beautiful display, particularly through spring, with additional flowering possible at other times depending on season and conditions.

It thrives in semi-arid zones (receiving 200–400 mm of annual rainfall) and is found naturally in eucalypt and Melaleuca woodlands. The species grows naturally in hard stony loam, sandy loam, or brown clay loam.

At Sylvaterre, Eremophila racemosa has proven to be a quick, rewarding and garden-worthy plant. It benefits from pruning when young, which encourages more upright branching and helps develop a denser, better-shaped shrub for garden use.

Flowers

• Profuse flower buds carried along the stems.
• Buds show attractive shades of orange, yellow and lime.
• Buds open to pink tubular flowers.
• Main flowering is usually in spring, with some flowers possible at other times.
• Tubular flowers attract honeyeaters and other nectar-feeding birds.
• Also supports native bees, butterflies, hoverflies and other beneficial insects.

Foliage

• Green foliage on a fast-growing, naturally neat shrub.
• Oblong leaves may grow to around 30 mm long.
• Provides useful structure in mixed native plantings.
• Responds well to pruning and can be shaped into a denser, more upright plant.

Cultivation

Soil:

Best grown in well-drained soil. Suitable for sandy, loamy, gravelly or lightly clay-based soils where drainage is adequate. In heavier soils, plant on a mound or raised bed. The species grows naturally in hard stony loam, sandy loam, or brown clay loam.

Sunlight:

Prefers full sun for best growth and flowering. It may tolerate light shade, but flowering and density are usually strongest in open sunny positions.

Watering:

Water regularly while establishing. Once established, Eremophila racemosa is drought tolerant and needs little supplementary water except during extended dry periods.

Frost tolerance:

Moderately frost tolerant once established, especially in well-drained positions. Young plants may benefit from protection during severe frost while settling in.

Drought tolerance:

Drought tolerant once established and well suited to dry native gardens, low-water landscapes and sunny, well-drained sites.

Pruning:

Pruning is important when young. Tip-prune early to encourage more upright branches, improve shape and create a denser, stronger garden plant.

Fertiliser:

Use a low-phosphorus native fertiliser sparingly in spring if needed. Avoid overfeeding and avoid wet, poorly drained soils.

Uses

• Fast-growing feature shrub for native gardens.
• Suitable for large pots and containers.
• Useful in mixed borders, low screening and informal native hedging.
• Excellent for bird-attracting and habitat-focused gardens.
• Valuable where seasonal flower colour and quick garden impact are wanted.
• Suitable for dry, sunny and low-water garden designs.

Habitat Value

Eremophila racemosa is a valuable nectar plant for habitat gardens. Its tubular pink flowers attract honeyeaters and other nectar-feeding birds, while also supporting native bees, butterflies, hoverflies and other beneficial insects.

Its neat, branching habit provides shelter and structure for small birds, especially when planted with lower Eremophilas, native grasses, groundcovers and other dryland shrubs.

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.

Tip-prune young plants early. This is the key to producing more upright branches, better density and a more garden-worthy shape.

For containers, choose a large pot with a free-draining native potting mix and avoid saucers that hold water. Prune lightly to maintain a compact, attractive potted plant.

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.