Accession Count: 31
Common Name:
valentine bush
Family Name:
Scrophulariaceae
Botanical Name:
Eremophila maculata
Sub Species:
Variety:
Forma:
Cultivar:
'Valentine'
Characteristics:
Eremophila maculata is an evergreen shrub which is popular in southwestern landscaping. It has lanceolate leaves which are a half inch long, and green in color. From winter to spring, the emu bush produces a profusion of pink flowers.
Compound:
Ere mac Val
Geographic Origin:
Australia
Ecozone Origin:
Australasia
Biome Origin:
Natural History:
Emu bush is an Australian native, so it is adapted to arid environments.
Cultivation Notes:
Eremophila maculata is the most commonly cultivated Eremophila species, as it is very reliable. It can be lightly pruned to encourage bushiness. The emu bush grows best in full sun, and should be watered approximately twice a month. Several cultivars of E. maculata with different attributes are included in the collection at the University of Arizona. Cultivar 'Valentine' is grown for the profusion of fuchsia to red flowers which it produces when temperatures get cold enough.
Ethnobotany:
E. maculata attracts hummingbirds and other pollinators.
Height:
6 - 10 feet
Width:
6 - 10 feet
Growth Rate:
Moderate Growing
Grow Season:
Flower Season:
Winter
Color:
Pink
Function:
Accent
Spread:
Non-spreading
Allergen:
Non-allergenic
Invasive:
Benign
Toxicity:
Benign
Hardy:
Hardy
Water Use:
Moderate Water Use
Citations:
Wrigley, John W, and Murray Fagg. Australian Native Plants: A Manual for Their Propagation, Cultivation and Use in Landscaping. 3rd ed., Australia in Print, 1988.
