Eremophila Maculata 'Silver'

Walpy Glen / Silver Emu Bush / Silver Spotted Emu

Botanical Name: Eremophila maculata ‘Silver’
Family: Scrophulariaceae
Origin: Australia
Plant Type: Evergreen shrub

Overview

‘Silver’ is a drought-tough emu bush for South Australian gardens. It forms a tidy, upright shrub of long, mid-green leaves and produces masses of pink to pink-purple tubular flowers with purple spots from winter through spring (often into summer) — a magnet for honeyeaters. Great for low-maintenance borders, coastal plantings and informal hedging.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 1.5-3 m H x 1-2 m W
• Growth Rate: 20-40 cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Evergreen green foliage with a tidy habit
• Flowers: Evergreen, long green leaves; naturally upright, clip-responsive habit.
• Seasonal Interest: Evergreen structure with a long, cool-season flower show (winter–spring; often extends after rain)
• Wildlife Value: Attracts nectar-feeding birds and insects
• Tolerance: Drought-tolerant (once established), heat-tolerant, wind-tolerant, second-line coastal-tolerant; light frost (protect from hard frost); clay-tolerant with improved drainage
• Planting Density: Shrub borders: 1 plant per metre (dense) or 1 per 1.5 m for a looser effect
• Pet Friendly: Yes — generally regarded as non-toxic to pets; ingestion of any plant may cause mild tummy upset

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun to part shade (best flowering/density in sun)
• Soil: Well-drained sand, loam or improved clay; tolerates alkaline/lime soils; avoid waterlogging
• Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8–12 weeks. Established: deep soak every 10–14 days in summer; monthly in winter if dry
• Maintenance: Mulch in spring; tip-prune after flowering to keep tight; can hard-prune in late winter; light native-safe feed in early spring
• Lifespan: 15-25 years
• Climate Zones: Suited to temperate & Mediterranean SA gardens, including coastal areas
• Soil pH: Acid, Neutral, Alkaline — broadly adaptable; handles slightly alkaline (limey) soils with drainage

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Low hedges/screens with a refined, uniform finish
• Mass plant on verges, medians and sunny banks for weed-suppressing cover
• Feature near entries and paths; pairs well with lomandra, westringia and gravel

Why You Will Love It

A set-and-forget native: glossy green foliage, months of pink-purple blooms, strong bird appeal and excellent drought/heat/wind resilience — perfect for stylish, low-maintenance SA landscapes.