By Bonnie-Marie Hibbs
Eremophila Nivea ‘Gubburra Bells’ is one of Australians native beauties, originating from Western Australia. Growing to a smaller height of 1-1.5 (5’) meters and in width, makes it the perfect native plant. With a compact and moderately fast growing habit.
It’s a great grower for Melbourne conditions but does require an open sunny position with good soil drainage. The distinctive sliver foliage is a great visual aspect along with mauve tubular flowers. Flowering begins in late winter to early spring, with spot flowering during autumn. A recommended prune after flowering in mid spring to early summer is essential to stop any woody growth and will also encourage a compact and dense habit.
Eremophila – Nivea ‘Gubburra Bells’ Photo by Bonnie-Marie Hibbs
E. Nivea will benefit from a Native fertiliser after pruning. I personally find ‘Natural Natives’ slow release fertiliser to work quite well. It’s important with any Australian natives to use a native plant fertilizer, because they all contain low phosphorus levels, which is very beneficial to all native plants.
Soil types for E. Nivea; it isn’t too selective, but it is recommended if you have heavy clay to use gypsum instead of compost. In the case of sandy soils, use compost that has had time to dilute itself for a good period of time therefore reducing the phosphorus levels.
E. Nivea is a great drought tolerant plant, which is also suited to coastal conditions once established. E. Nivea can be difficult to grow in humid conditions, However it is defiantly worth taking up the challenge. E. Nivea is also known to be frost sensitive, but that certainly hasn’t stopped me giving it a go in my own garden.
It’s beautiful silver foliage and mauve flowers can really give a great contribution to any garden. E. Nivea is a good contrast plant and can really bring out the beauty of other plants, but is also a great single specimen. E. Nivea is also great to attract honey eating birds and other garden friendly insects.
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