'Valentine' Emu Bush

Plant Type: evergreen shrub
Plant Height: 3–4 feet
Spread: 3–5 feet
Flower Color: deep pink to red
Sun Exposure: Full sun

‘Valentine’ Emu Bush (Eremophila maculata ‘Valentine’): Winter Blooming Color for Low-Water Gardens

‘Valentine’ Emu Bush is a hardy, evergreen shrub that bursts into vibrant bloom during the cooler months, producing masses of deep pink to red, tubular flowers. This Australian native thrives in hot, dry climates and is a standout for adding color to Arizona landscapes during winter, when many plants are dormant.

Key Features of ‘Valentine’ Emu Bush

• Winter Color: Heavy blooming from late fall through early spring, brightening the landscape during cooler months.
• Evergreen Foliage: Small, glossy green leaves provide year-round structure.
• Drought Tolerant: Very low water needs once established.
• Low Maintenance: Maintains a tidy shape with little pruning.

Growing and Care Tips

‘Valentine’ Emu Bush is tough, adaptable, and perfect for sunny, well-drained spots.

Soil: Prefers sandy or rocky, well-draining soils; avoid heavy clay unless amended.
Water: Moderate watering during establishment; afterward, only occasional deep watering is needed.
Fertilizer: Rarely required; if desired, apply a low-phosphorus fertilizer in fall to encourage blooms.
Pruning: Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and encourage denser growth.

Landscaping Uses

• Seasonal Accent: Adds a burst of warm color in winter landscapes.
• Borders & Low Hedges: Works beautifully as an informal hedge or backdrop plant.
• Wildlife Garden: Flowers attract hummingbirds and pollinators.
• Rock Gardens & Xeriscapes: Perfect for low-water, desert-adapted designs.

Summary

‘Valentine’ Emu Bush delivers vibrant winter blooms and year-round evergreen appeal while thriving with minimal water and care. It’s a must-have for Arizona landscapes seeking reliable color in the cooler months.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): ‘Valentine’ Emu Bush

Planting Guide:

Location: Full sun for maximum blooms.
Soil: Well-draining sandy or rocky soil; amend heavy clay as needed.
Spacing: Space 3–5 feet apart for hedging or mass plantings.
Planting Depth: Keep crown level with surrounding soil.
Support: Not needed—naturally forms a sturdy, rounded shrub.

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Water deeply after planting.
• Frequency: Every 4–5 days for the first 2–3 weeks.
• Watering Amount: Enough to soak soil 8–10 inches deep.

When is the Plant Established?

• Usually after 2–3 months of consistent watering and healthy new growth.

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Deep water every 14–21 days.
• Winter: Rarely needs supplemental water unless extremely dry.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

Placement of Emitters: Position 1 emitter 12 inches from base.
Flow Rate: 1 gallon per hour.
Number of Emitters: One for smaller plants; two for mature shrubs.
Adjusting Frequency: Increase slightly in summer heat; reduce in cool months.

General Watering Tips for ‘Valentine’ Emu Bush:

• Soil Check: Let the top 3–4 inches dry between watering.
• Avoid Overwatering: Too much moisture reduces blooming and can cause root rot.
• Mulch: Apply gravel mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds without trapping excess humidity.