Eremophila nivea

(Silky Eremophila)

The successful grafting of this plant onto Myoporum rootstock was one of the best advances in modern ornamental horticulture! Perhaps that's a matter of opinion, but there's no doubt that grafted plants of Eremophila nivea, even though they cost quite a bit more, are very popular.

The soft silver-grey foliage is a superb contrast to the purple flowers that appear en masse in spring then sporadically throughout the warmer months.

Endangered in its native habitat in the Irwin District of Western Australia, E. nivea was, until recent years, only grown by enthusiasts, even though it had proven to be adaptable to a range of soil types and climatic conditions. It doesn't mind heavy soil as long it's free draining, and it is quite drought tolerant.

It's a loose shrub, upright in form, and grows to about two metres in height and width.

As a landscape plant it is spectacular, especially with a darker backdrop (maybe a darker leaved plant) to really highlight the silver foliage and purple flowers.

The grafting onto Myoporum rootstock conveys improved resistance to fungus diseases and increased tolerance of heavy soils.

Maintenance

E. nivea requires a fairly dry, sunny spot.

It's quite fast growing; the plant shown here was only planted three years ago from a 140mm pot. It tends to naturally form a rounded shape, but because it grows fast it can get leggy if not regularly tip-pruned.

Fertilise minimally if at all with a fertiliser suitable for native plants. A good layer of mulch that's regularly replenished tends to provide all the nutrients this plant requires over time.

The grafted plant is likely to be more robust in many areas of the eastern states, but E. nivea is also grown from cuttings.

Information sources:
Elliot, W.R. & Jones, D.L., Encyclopaedia of Australian Plants, Lothian Publishing Co.
Wrigley, J.W. & Fagg, M., Australian Native Plants, New Holland publishers
Photographs by Frances Saunders

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