‘Blue Bells’ Emu Bush (Eremophila hygrophana): Year-Round Blooms for Dry Gardens

Imagine a shrub that blooms all year, handles heat and cold, needs no pruning, and is drought-tolerant. ‘Blue Bells’ emu bush from Australia delivers all that.

Botanical Name: Eremophila hygrophana ‘Blue Bells’
Common Names: ‘Blue Bells’, blue emu
Origin: Australia
Hardiness: USDA zone 8 (hardy to 17°F)
Water Needs: Low; best with weekly summer watering, twice monthly spring/fall, monthly winter
Light Requirements: Full sun
Mature Size: 3 ft tall, 3–4 ft wide

Distinguishing Traits

Gray foliage and violet-blue flowers resemble silver sages (‘Thunder Cloud’, ‘Blue Ranger’) but are unrelated. Unlike those sages, ‘Blue Bells’ blooms year-round. Hummingbirds love the constant nectar. Slow growth (3 ft) means minimal pruning. Compact, informal habit; tiny leaf hairs reflect sun, reduce evaporation.

Potential Problem

Overwatering is the only issue. Well-drained soil essential; deep, infrequent watering. Guideline: weekly summer, twice monthly spring/fall, monthly winter.

Design Uses

Along walkways and patios for flower enjoyment. Avoid lawn/pool areas where excess water accumulates. Plant in front of darker-foliaged drought-tolerant plants like red fairy duster, Valentine, chuparosa for contrast. Yellow-flowering groundcovers (angelita daisy, damianita) complement beautifully.

Planting Notes

Well-drained soil, full sun. Avoid shade where soil stays wet. No fertilizer needed—adapted to nutrient-poor soils.

More: See more ways to save water in your landscape.