Red Eremophila
Eremophila maculata
A compact Australian shrub that attracts hummingbirds and adapts well to Arizona desert conditions.
Hardy in USDA zones 9-11; tolerant of low-desert heat and light frost but best protected from hard freezes below the mid-20s.
AMWUA Notes
A moderate-water Australian shrub that demands excellent drainage; long hummingbird bloom with minimal maintenance.
Care Guide
Moderate but drainage-critical; water deeply every 10-14 days in summer and let the soil dry between soaks, since this Australian shrub rots in wet or heavy soil.
Tip-prune lightly after bloom to maintain a compact mound; avoid hard shearing and it seldom needs more than a shaping touch.
Little fertilizer needed; it is adapted to lean, mineral soils.
Free of significant pests.
Evergreen, carrying spotted tubular flowers heaviest in late winter and spring with scattered bloom through the year; hummingbirds work the flowers.
Soil, Feeding & Propagation
Lean, gritty, sharply drained mineral soils; tolerates alkaline pH but rots in rich or clay soil.
Needs sharp, fast-draining soil.
None — thrives in lean desert soil without fertilizer.
From semi-hardwood cuttings; seed is difficult.
3-4 ft
Non-aggressive roots; safe near pools and paving.
Placement Tips
- •Compact at 4 ft; space 3-4 ft apart as a foundation or low informal hedge shrub.
- •Suits Mediterranean and desert-modern designs with sharp drainage, such as raised beds and slopes.
- •Low litter and clean habit make it pool-friendly.
- •Plant in full sun and avoid overwatered turf-adjacent zones where it will decline.
Features
Best Uses
Ecological Value
Attracts
Wildlife Value
Companion Plants
Quick Stats
Design Styles
Include in Your Project
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Use this care guide to maintain your Red Eremophila. Questions about your landscape? Reach out anytime.
Data from 2024 AMWUA “Landscape Plants for the Arizona Desert” guide.
Red Eremophila — common questions
Answers for low-desert Phoenix conditions, drawn from this plant’s growing data.
How much water does Red Eremophila need in Phoenix?
Red Eremophila is a moderate-water shrub once established. Moderate but drainage-critical; water deeply every 10-14 days in summer and let the soil dry between soaks, since this Australian shrub rots in wet or heavy soil. A moderate-water Australian shrub that demands excellent drainage; long hummingbird bloom with minimal maintenance.
How big does Red Eremophila get?
Expect roughly 4 ft tall and 4 ft wide at maturity, with a moderate growth rate. Allow about 3-4 ft of spacing when planting. Non-aggressive roots; safe near pools and paving.
Can you plant Red Eremophila near a pool?
Yes. Red Eremophila is considered pool-friendly, meaning it stays clean enough around water features and hardscape. Litter is rated low.
Can Red Eremophila handle Arizona heat and winter frost?
Red Eremophila is hardy in USDA 9-11 and wants full sun. Hardy in USDA zones 9-11; tolerant of low-desert heat and light frost but best protected from hard freezes below the mid-20s. Evergreen, carrying spotted tubular flowers heaviest in late winter and spring with scattered bloom through the year; hummingbirds work the flowers.
Does Red Eremophila have thorns?
No. Red Eremophila is thornless, so it is safe alongside walkways, patios and play areas.
Is Red Eremophila safe around pets?
Red Eremophila is listed as pet-friendly in this guide. If your dog is a determined chewer, check any new plant with your vet before planting.
When does Red Eremophila bloom in Arizona?
Red Eremophila blooms in spring, with green flowers. The bloom draws hummingbirds.
How much maintenance does Red Eremophila need?
Red Eremophila is low-maintenance. Leaf, flower and pod litter is rated low. Tip-prune lightly after bloom to maintain a compact mound; avoid hard shearing and it seldom needs more than a shaping touch.
What kind of soil does Red Eremophila need?
Lean, gritty, sharply drained mineral soils; tolerates alkaline pH but rots in rich or clay soil. It needs no supplemental feeding. Little fertilizer needed; it is adapted to lean, mineral soils.
Is Red Eremophila native to Arizona?
No. Red Eremophila is not an Arizona native; it originates from the Australia, but it is grown successfully in low-desert landscapes here.