Re: Eremophila maculata
Alessandra Vinciguerra wrote:
>
> Hi, folks,
> Some time ago I posted a message about an un-named australian plant I had
> bought. Well, now I managed to identify it, it is Eremophila maculata, the
> yellow flowered form (or cultivar?)It is developing into a very nice bush,
> in full bloom now and quite pleasing, if not showy. I like the color of the
> foliage, and I find it matches very well with the other plants of my garden,
> but how big can it become? The Society for growing australian plants page
> says about 1 m (3 ft), but a friend who used to grow it, said his reached
> almost 3 mt (9 ft)in height and width. The SGAP page also suggests to keep
> it far from other plants, for good air circulation, but I planted mine quite
> close a to Rosa Banksiae lutea, hoping the latter would send some shoots on
> the Eremophila. Do you think I should move it (at the end of the blooming
> season) to avoid eventual risks?
>
Alessandra
My Australian Wildflower Catalogue tells me that the common names of
this shrub are Spotted Emu Bush or Native Fuchsia.
The species is described as very variable in habit from prostrate to 3m
tall, but the var 'Aurea' is said to be a compact shrub to just 1m. It
also says a regular light pruning will encourage bushiness but has no
information on the effect of close planting though the general
description of the genus suggest most species come from low-rainfall
areas and need well-drained sites and good air circulation.
I wonder if you should try propagating it before moving it. I know some
Australian shrubs do not take kindly to being moved once established. My
book suggests half ripened tip-cuttings.
Moira
--
Tony & Moira Ryan <theryans@xtra.co.nz>
Wainuiomata, New Zealand. (on the "Ring of Fire" in the SW Pacific).
Lat. 41:16S Long. 174:58E. Climate: Mediterranean/Temperate
