By Jason Hilborn
A plant that
really starts to catch my eye in the nursery this time of year, as well
as my own garden, is a grafted plant called Eremophila “Gubburra Bells”.
As we move further into autumn the days get shorter and in many cases,
a little more dull, but it is the distinctive foliage of the Eremophila
that stands out.
Eremophila “Gubburra Bells” is a very showy Australian Native garden shrub that bears massed clusters of vibrant lilac ‘Bells’ held on beautiful silvery white foliage. They are at their very best from late winter through spring when their masses of flowers contrast against the soft, silvery white foliage. In addition to this, they will also produce spot flower throughout the autumn months. The Eremophila “Gubburra Bells” is grafted onto a hardy rootstock and grows and flowers in a sunny well-drained position. It will benefit from a position with ample air-movement and can tolerate moderate frost.
This variety of Eremophila was selected from the “Gubburra Flower Farm”, Wolumia, NSW for its profuse flowering and compact growth habit.
They will reach a height and width of 1.2 metres, making them ideal for anyone looking for an ‘excellent’ specimen native that will not get too large. Alternatively this plant makes a fine pot specimen. Here at the nursery, we always recommend using a native potting mix when potting natives into pots as these specially formulated potting mixes contain less phosphorus than other mixes. So when selecting the Eremophila always make sure you buy a native potting mix, when planting in a pot to ensure best results.
The Eremophila “Gubburra Bells” is known for attracting birds, butterflies and native bees, which all find the beautiful flowers hard to resist. So if it is any, or all of these that you wish to invite into your garden then this variety of Eremophila is a great option for you.
During summer, Eremophila “Gubburra Bells” responds well to an annual prune and feed with slow release fertiliser for natives. Having grown this plant in my own garden, I have also found that watering during dry periods encourages prolific flowering.
As the drought continues to be a major issue in the way we plant out our gardens, the question that I find myself confronted with regularly is that of what is tough and hardy for today’s climate, while still being aesthetically pleasing to the eye. The Eremophila is not only pleasing to the eye, it can also make a bold statement and stop people in their tracks as they walk past your house. It is not uncommon for me to be out in my front garden and passers by ask me what “that” amazing plant is. The simple answer to that is Eremophila “Gubburra Bells”.
This is just one of many fantastic, ornamental, water-wise and drought tolerant options we have at the nursery, so be sure to look out for these when you next visit our nursery at Gardenworld.
I am living inCapricorn Coast and need to obtain some Eremophila nivea as soon as possible. Would you know where I can buy them? I have tried many places and can't seem to get them. I had them groing in my garden and they have died. They were absolutely stunning with the colour of the house. I will look forward to hearing from you. Thanking you Carol.
Posted by: Carol from Zilzie 4710 | April 05, 2011 at 03:46 PM