Eremophila glabra 'Roseworthy'

Roseworthy Emu Bush

Botanical Name: Eremophila glabra 'Roseworthy'
Family: Scrophulariaceae
Origin: Australia (Roseworthy district, South Australia; local selection)
Plant Type: Evergreen prostrate groundcover

Overview

A stunning flat Australian native groundcover perfectly suited to Adelaide's Mediterranean climate, Eremophila glabra 'Roseworthy' forms dense, carpet-like growth of bright green foliage smothered in masses of vibrant orange to red tubular flowers for months on end. Blooming prolifically from spring through summer with sporadic flowering into autumn, it delivers continuous colour and exceptional bird-attracting power in an ultra-low, lawn-like form. Exceptionally drought-tolerant, heat-loving and low-maintenance, 'Roseworthy' thrives in hot, dry, exposed positions where many plants struggle. Ideal for flat groundcover, rockeries, embankments, hanging over walls and wildlife gardens, this tough South Australian native brings vibrant colour and wildlife appeal to water-wise landscapes.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 25–40 cm H × 1.5–2.0 m W (flat, prostrate carpet-like habit)
• Growth Rate: 40–60 cm per year under good conditions (fast lateral spread)
• Foliage: Small, narrow bright green to mid-green leaves; dense, flat mat-forming growth; evergreen year-round; retains fresh green appearance throughout summer
• Flowers: Masses of vibrant orange to red tubular flowers (yellow-orange-red colour range); blooms heavily spring through summer (September–February) with sporadic flowering into autumn
• Fragrance: Foliage lightly aromatic when brushed—subtle herbal scent
• Seasonal Interest: Evergreen bright green structure year-round with spectacular spring–summer flowering display; flat, lawn-like appearance
• Wildlife Value: Excellent for wildlife—attracts honeyeaters, native bees, butterflies, and other nectar-feeding birds and insects in large numbers
• Tolerance: Exceptional drought tolerance once established; exceptional heat tolerance; frost-hardy (tolerates moderate frosts); excellent wind tolerance; excellent coastal tolerance in sheltered positions; excellent drainage essential—will not tolerate waterlogging or heavy, wet soils; low-phosphorus fertiliser essential
• Planting Density: 0.3–0.5 plants per m² (1 plant covers 2–3 m²); Mass planting: 1.5–2.0 m apart
• Pet Friendly: Yes—non-toxic and safe for pets

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun (essential for best flowering, most compact growth, and brightest green foliage)
• Soil: Exceptionally well-drained sandy loam, gravelly soil, or rocky soil; thrives in poor, lean soils; adapts to clay soils if well-drained; excellent in raised beds, rockeries, and containers; will not tolerate heavy waterlogged or phosphorus-rich soils
• Water Needs:
  • Establishment: Deep soak twice weekly for 6–8 weeks
  • Established: Deep soak every 14–21 days in summer (or less—extremely drought-tolerant); minimal to no watering in winter
• Maintenance: Very low maintenance; trim lightly if desired to maintain ultra-flat habit (optional—naturally flat); avoid standard fertilisers—use low-phosphorus native fertiliser sparingly only if needed; virtually pest and disease-free; can be used as lawn substitute in visual terms (not walk-on)
• Lifespan: 10–20+ years with proper low-phosphorus care
• Climate Zones: Ideal for Mediterranean and temperate South Australia—Adelaide plains, foothills, Fleurieu Peninsula, coastal and inland gardens; thrives in exposed, hot, dry sites; locally adapted South Australian selection from Roseworthy district
• Soil pH: Neutral to mildly alkaline (pH 6.5–8.0); performs exceptionally well on Adelaide's calcareous soils

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Flat groundcover for lawn-like visual effect (not walk-on but visually cooling)
• Mass planting in water-wise garden beds for spectacular spring–summer colour carpet
• Rockeries and gravel gardens with excellent drainage
• Cascading over retaining walls, raised beds, or hanging baskets
• Erosion control on slopes and embankments—spreading root system stabilizes soil
• Wildlife and bird-attracting gardens for continuous nectar
• Roadside plantings and nature strips—extreme tolerance to tough conditions
• Mixed native gardens with prostrate rosemary, lomandra, and grevillea
• Contemporary and minimalist landscapes paired with gravel and architectural hardscaping
• South Australian native gardens showcasing locally-adapted Roseworthy district selections

Why You Will Love It

'Roseworthy' emu bush delivers spectacular orange-red flower power in an ultra-flat, lawn-like form with true South Australian toughness. Bright green, flat-growing, and smothered in vibrant blooms from spring through summer, it transforms slopes, rockeries, and embankments into bird-filled colour carpets with minimal fuss. Drought-proof, heat-loving, frost-hardy, and locally adapted to Adelaide conditions from the Roseworthy district—it's the ultimate flat native groundcover for water-wise, wildlife-friendly South Australian gardens.