In Flower this Week:
                             Eremophila racemosa
                                  (21 August 2014)

Eremophila racemosa, aptly known as Showy Eremophila, is a glorious variety of Emu Bush which won’t disappoint. This small shrub of around 0.8-1.5 metres begins flowering in late winter, continuing right through the summer months. To say this West Australian native flowers prolifically is an understatement of gargantuan proportions - one could be forgiven for failing to recognise the leaves for all the hundreds of flowers adorning its delicate branches at flowering time. The flower colour is equally as impressive, ranging from varying shades of pink, purple, red, apricot, white and everything in between – I have no doubt that this gorgeous plant has the pastel spectrum well and truly covered.  

Eremophila racemosa is hardy to all but the most severe of frosts, and tolerates dry conditions once established. Soil needs to be reasonably well drained, can be moist at times, but never waterlogged. It grows happily in a sunny to partly-shaded position with low humidity, and is best protected from high winds. This little gem also grows beautifully in a pot.