Eremophila nivea, commonly known as Silky Emu Bush, is one of Australia’s most striking native shrubs. Loved for its soft, silver-grey foliage and masses of mauve-purple tubular flowers, this compact shrub brings colour, texture and drought tolerance to any garden. A standout feature plant for low-maintenance gardens, dry landscapes, native plant designs and coastal planting.

Why Eremophila nivea Is So Popular

• Stunning silver foliage that glows in sunlight and adds contrast to green plantings.
• Long flowering season – typically late winter through spring, with flushes in summer.
• Drought-tolerant once established – perfect for waterwise gardens.
• Low maintenance native shrub suited to harsh Australian conditions.
• Loved by pollinators including native bees, birds and beneficial insects.

Best Uses in the Garden

• Feature shrub in native or modern landscape designs.
• Silver foliage contrast against dark greens, grasses or native shrubs.
• Coastal gardens thanks to excellent salt tolerance.
• Dry garden / waterwise landscapes with minimal irrigation.
• Mixed native borders with banksias, westringias, callistemons or kangaroo paws.

Growth & Size

Eremophila nivea is naturally compact and rounded:

• Height: approx. 1–1.5 metres
• Width: approx. 1–1.5 metres

Grafted forms are typically stronger, longer-lived and more resilient in humid regions.

Sun & Position

• Full sun is essential for good growth and strong silver colour.
• Thrives in open, exposed positions with good airflow.
• Performs best in low-humidity areas; grafted forms are recommended for Sydney coastal and QLD regions.

Soil & Watering

• Very well-draining soil is critical for success.
• Ideal for sandy, gravelly or rocky soils.
• Water regularly while establishing, then reduce – very drought-tolerant once mature.
• Avoid heavy clay or waterlogged ground.

Pruning & Maintenance

• Prune lightly after flowering to encourage new growth.
• Avoid hard cuts into old wood.
• Grafted plants require minimal shaping.
• Mulch lightly to keep roots cool but do not bury the graft union (if applicable).

Flowering Details

This shrub bursts with purple to mauve tubular flowers that attract native birds and insects. Flowering usually peaks in late winter and spring, with sporadic blooms the rest of the year depending on climate.

How Many Plants Do I Need?

• 1 plant as a feature specimen.
• 1.2–1.5 m apart for a soft, silver native hedge.
• 1–1.2 m apart for fuller coverage in landscape borders.