Eremophila nivea 'Spring Mist'

Spring Mist Silky Emu Bush

Botanical Name: Eremophila nivea 'Spring Mist'
Family: Scrophulariaceae
Origin: Western Australia; cultivar selection
Plant Type: Evergreen shrub

Overview

'Spring Mist' is prized for its soft, silvery-white woolly foliage and masses of lilac-mauve tubular flowers that smother the bush in winter and spring. The luminous grey foliage is a standout year-round, providing a cool, silvery contrast in native and water-wise gardens. Like all silky emu bushes it demands excellent drainage and full sun — grafted plants perform more reliably in heavier soils. A spectacular, bird-attracting feature shrub for dry SA gardens.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 1–1.5 m H x 1–1.5 m W
• Growth Rate: Moderate; 15–30 cm per year; upright then spreading, with an open, softly rounded habit
• Foliage: Silvery-white, densely woolly leaves; luminous grey tone year-round
• Flowers: Lilac to mauve tubular flowers in profusion; winter–spring; non-fragrant
• Seasonal Interest: Striking silver foliage year-round; lilac flower display winter–spring
• Wildlife Value: Tubular flowers attract honeyeaters and native bees
• Tolerance: Excellent drought and heat tolerance; light frost tolerant; wind-tolerant; demands sharp drainage and dislikes humidity and wet feet
• Planting Density: Feature/specimen: 1.2–1.5 m apart; informal grouping: 1 m apart
• Pet Friendly: Non-toxic to cats and dogs

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun — essential for dense foliage and flowering
• Soil: Very free-draining sandy or gravelly soils; grafted plants tolerate heavier and clay soils; avoid waterlogging and humidity around the crown
• Water Needs: Establishment: light deep soak weekly for 8–12 weeks. Established: occasional deep soak every 3–4 weeks in summer only; little to none in winter.
• Maintenance: Light tip prune after flowering to maintain density; avoid overhead watering; use low-phosphorus native fertiliser sparingly; mulch lightly with gravel
• Lifespan: 8–15 years in free-draining conditions
• Climate Zones: Suited to temperate and Mediterranean SA — excellent in Adelaide metro, dry inland and coastal gardens with good drainage
• Soil pH: Neutral to alkaline (pH 6.5–8.0)

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Silver-foliage feature in native and Mediterranean dry gardens
• Contrast plant against green and burgundy foliage
• Water-wise gravel and rockery plantings; raised beds for guaranteed drainage

Why You Will Love It

Luminous silver foliage and a haze of lilac flowers make 'Spring Mist' one of the most beautiful native shrubs you can grow — a tough, drought-proof showpiece that lights up dry SA gardens through the cooler months.