Winter Blaze' Emu Bush

Plant Type: Evergreen Groundcover Shrub
Plant Height: 1-2 feet
Spread: 4-6 feet
Flower Color: Red to deep orange-red
Sun Exposure: Full sun

‘Winter Blaze’ Emu Bush: Spreading Color for Desert Landscapes

The ‘Winter Blaze’ Emu Bush (Eremophila prostrata) is a hardy, evergreen groundcover prized for its spreading habit and fiery red blooms that appear through the cooler months. Native to Australia, this drought-tolerant shrub thrives in Arizona’s hot, dry climate, making it an excellent choice for low-maintenance, high-impact color in desert gardens. Its ability to sprawl across open areas makes it especially valuable for erosion control, rock gardens, and bold accent plantings.

Key Features of ‘Winter Blaze’ Emu Bush

• Brilliant Winter Color: Produces a profusion of tubular red flowers during the cooler months, when many other plants are dormant.
• Spreading Habit: Grows wider than tall, covering ground effectively and suppressing weeds.
• Drought Resistant: Once established, requires very little supplemental water.
• Wildlife Friendly: Flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies, adding motion and life to the garden.

Growing and Care Tips

• Soil: Prefers well-draining sandy or rocky soils; avoid heavy clay or poor drainage.
• Water: Needs consistent watering until established, then thrives on minimal supplemental water.
• Pruning: Low-maintenance—light pruning after flowering helps keep shape and encourage new growth.
• Cold Tolerance: Hardy down to about 20°F; may need protection in severe cold snaps.

Landscaping Uses

• Groundcover: Perfect for covering bare soil in sunny locations.
• Rock Gardens: Thrives among boulders and gravel for naturalized desert landscapes.
• Erosion Control: Useful on slopes or banks where spreading roots stabilize soil.
• Accent Plant: Provides bold winter color when paired with agaves, yuccas, or other desert shrubs.

Summary

‘Winter Blaze’ Emu Bush is a tough, vibrant groundcover ideal for Arizona landscapes. Its winter bloom display, sprawling form, and water efficiency make it an excellent addition for homeowners seeking easy color, erosion control, and pollinator appeal in low-water gardens.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow):

‘Winter Blaze’ Emu Bush Planting Guide

Location: Full sun for best flowering and compact growth.
Soil: Well-drained sandy or rocky soils. Avoid planting in heavy clay.
Spacing: Plant 4-6 feet apart to allow spreading coverage.
Planting Depth: Set root ball level with surrounding soil and firm lightly.
Support: None required—naturally forms a spreading groundcover.

Watering Guide

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Deeply water immediately after planting.
• Frequency: Every 2-3 days for the first 2 weeks, then reduce to once weekly for the next 2-3 months.
• Amount: Provide 2-3 gallons per plant per watering.

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: Typically 3-4 months of consistent growth in warm weather.

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Deep water every 2-3 weeks; increase to every 10-14 days during extreme heat.
• Winter: Water once every 4-6 weeks if rainfall is lacking.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

• Placement of Emitters: 8-12 inches from plant center.
• Flow Rate: Use 1 gallon per hour emitters.
• Number of Emitters: 1-2 per plant, more for large spreads.
• Adjusting Frequency: Water more often during peak summer heat or extended dry periods.

General Watering Tips for ‘Winter Blaze’ Emu Bush

• Soil Check: Let top 3-4 inches of soil dry before watering again.
• Avoid Overwatering: Excess water may lead to root rot.
• Mulch: Use gravel or rock mulch to reduce evaporation and highlight the plant’s color; avoid wood mulch directly against the plant.