Eremophila Alternifolia x Maculata 'Wildberry'

Wildberry Eremophila / Wildberry Emu Bush

Botanical Name: Eremophila alternifolia × maculata ‘Wildberry’
Family: Scrophulariaceae
Origin: Australia (hybrid cultivar of two inland species)
Plant Type: Evergreen perennial shrub

Overview

A show-stopping, ultra-hardy eremophila bred for vibrant colour and outstanding performance in hot, dry climates. ‘Wildberry’ thrives across Adelaide and South Australia, producing masses of deep magenta–purple tubular flowers for much of the year, especially spring through autumn. Its fine, aromatic foliage and neat, rounded habit make it ideal for waterwise borders, native gardens, and exposed sites. Exceptionally drought-, heat-, and frost-tolerant, it delivers reliable colour with almost no maintenance.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 1–1.5 m H × 1–1.5 m W (naturally rounded habit)
• Growth Rate: 20-40 cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Narrow grey-green leaves, lightly aromatic when brushed; can develop silver or bronze tints in winter cold or dry coastal winds
• Flowers: Masses of rich wildberry-purple tubular blooms from spring through autumn, with spot flowering in winter during mild spells
  
• Seasonal Interest: Long flowering season with vivid colour and evergreen foliage
• Wildlife Value: Highly attractive to honeyeaters, native bees and beneficial insects
• Tolerance: Extremely drought-tolerant once established; excellent heat and wind tolerance; second-line coastal-tolerant; handles light–moderate frost typical of Adelaide foothills and plains
• Planting Density: Borders: 0.8–1 m apart; Mass planting: 1–1.2 m apart
• Pet Friendly: Non-toxic to cats and dogs

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun essential for heavy flowering; tolerates light shade but flowers less
• Soil: Prefers well-drained sandy or loamy soils; thrives in limestone and slightly alkaline soils common in many SA suburbs; avoid heavy, waterlogged clay
• Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8–12 weeks. Established: deep soak every 2-3 weeks in summer (weekly in heatwaves); rarely needed in winter
• Maintenance: Very low-maintenance — light prune after each major flush to maintain shape and encourage rebloom. Avoid heavy pruning into old wood. Use a low-P native fertiliser only if needed
• Lifespan: 10–20+ years in dry, free-draining conditions
• Climate Zones: Mediterranean & temperate SA — ideal for Adelaide plains, Barossa, Clare, northern suburbs, Yorke Peninsula, Eyre Peninsula, Limestone Coast
• Soil pH: Neutral to alkaline (tolerates mildly acidic if drainage is excellent)

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Native and waterwise borders
• Low-maintenance, high-impact feature shrub
• Perfect contrast with silver foliage plants such as Westringia, Lomandra, and Leucophyta
• Excellent for hot banks, verges, gravel gardens and exposed positions
• Pollinator-friendly gardens and wildlife landscapes

Why You Will Love It

‘Wildberry’ is one of the most reliable, high-colour native shrubs for South Australia — thriving in heat, wind, drought and poor soils while producing masses of rich purple blooms. Low-maintenance, evergreen, and long-lived, it's an unbeatable choice for adding vibrant, year-round impact to Adelaide gardens.