Overview
Eremophila maculata 'Aurea' (prostrate) is a low-growing and compact flowering shrub, known for its attractive golden-yellow foliage and red or pink trumpet-shaped flowers. It is a popular landscaping plant for its ability to thrive in hot and dry conditions, making it ideal for gardens in arid regions.
Origin and Common Names
Eremophila maculata 'Aurea' (prostrate) originates from Western Australia and is commonly known as the Golden Emu bush, Golden Sandalwood or Spotted Emu bush.
Uses
Eremophila maculata 'Aurea' (prostrate) is often used as a groundcover, especially in rock gardens, slopes, and other areas where other plants struggle to grow. Its low-growing, spreading habit makes it an excellent choice to stabilize soil and prevent erosion. It is also suitable for hanging baskets, pots, and other container plantings. Moreover, the plant is drought tolerant and low maintenance, making it an ideal choice for water-wise gardens.
General Appearance
The Eremophila maculata 'Aurea' (prostrate) typically grows up to 4 feet wide and 1 foot tall. Its sprawling branches bear small golden-yellow leaves with dense clusters of trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom in different shades of pink or red from early winter to late spring. The flowers are about 1 inch long and regularly attract hummingbirds and bees. The plant's stems are a shade of brownish-red and covered with a fuzzy texture.
Light Requirements
Eremophila maculata 'Aurea' (prostrate) is a plant that thrives in full sun to partial shade. Bright sunlight helps the plant flower better and produce denser foliage. If planted in a shady place, it may produce fewer flowers and have weak stems.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can tolerate dry conditions, but it prefers moderate temperatures. The optimum temperature range for Eremophila maculata 'Aurea' (prostrate) is between 10°C and 30°C. If the temperature goes beyond this range, it may lead to dehydration and damage of the plant.
Soil Requirements
The plant grows well in well-draining, sandy soils. It is tolerant of a wide range of soils, including loamy and clay soils but doesn't thrive in poorly-drained wet soils. The pH level of the soil should be between 5.6 and 7.8 for the plant to grow better.
Cultivation Methods
Eremophila maculata 'Aurea' (prostrate) is an evergreen herbaceous shrub that requires full sun for optimal growth. It can tolerate a range of soil types but prefers well-draining soils. The plant is drought-tolerant and can withstand long periods without water, making it ideal for hot and dry climates. This plant is also hardy and can survive even in cold temperatures.
Watering Needs
The Eremophila maculata 'Aurea' plant requires regular watering during its establishment phase. However, once it is mature, the plant is drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering. Watering should only be done when the soil is completely dry. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it is important to ensure that the soil dries out before rewatering.
Fertilization
Eremophila maculata 'Aurea' is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal fertilizer. During the growth phase, it is recommended to apply a slow-release fertilizer once a year before the start of the growing season. High nitrogen fertilizer should be avoided as it can encourage excessive growth and reduce flowering.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Eremophila maculata 'Aurea', but it can be done to maintain a neat and tidy appearance. The best time to prune the plant is during the late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Pruning can be done to remove diseased or damaged branches, or to control the size of the plant. However, avoid removing more than one-third of the plant during a single pruning session to avoid stunting its growth.
Propagation of Eremophila maculata 'Aurea' (Prostrate)
Eremophila maculata 'Aurea', also known as the Spotted Emu Bush, is a low-growing, trailing subshrub that produces beautiful, bright yellow flowers during the spring and summer months. Propagation of this plant can be easily carried out through vegetative propagation methods.
Softwood Cuttings
Softwood cuttings are the most commonly used method for propagating Eremophila maculata 'Aurea'. The ideal time for taking softwood cuttings is during the spring season when the plant is actively growing. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, disease-free, and mature branches and should be 3-4 inches long. The lower leaves should be removed, and a hormone rooting powder should be applied to the cuttings to encourage root growth. The cuttings can be placed in a well-draining potting mix and should be kept moist until roots have formed.
Division
Eremophila maculata 'Aurea' can also be successfully propagated through division. This method involves dividing the plant into smaller sections and planting them separately. This technique should be carried out during the early spring season before new growth appears. The plant should be carefully dug up, and the root ball should be divided into smaller sections. Each section should have some roots and shoots and should be replanted in well-draining soil.
Layering
Layering is another propagation method that can be used for Eremophila maculata 'Aurea'. This technique involves bending a low-growing branch to the ground and securing it in place using a stake or a rock. A small portion of the branch should be buried in the soil while the rest of the branch remains above the ground. The buried portion of the branch will develop roots, and a new plant will emerge. Once the new plant has established roots, it can be cut away from the parent plant and replanted in a new location.
Overall, Eremophila maculata 'Aurea' is an easy plant to propagate, and with the right conditions, success rates are high.
Disease and Pest Management for Eremophila maculata 'Aurea' (Prostrate)
Eremophila maculata 'Aurea' (Prostrate) is a hardy plant that is resistant to most pests and diseases. However, it is still susceptible to a few common problems that can affect its growth and health. Here are some of the most common diseases and pests that may affect Eremophila maculata 'Aurea' (Prostrate) and some tips on how to manage them.
Diseases
One of the most common diseases that can affect Eremophila maculata 'Aurea' (Prostrate) is root rot. This disease is caused by overwatering and poor drainage. To prevent root rot, make sure to plant the Eremophila maculata 'Aurea' (Prostrate) in well-draining soil and water it only when the soil has dried out.
Another disease that can affect Eremophila maculata 'Aurea' (Prostrate) is leaf spot. This fungal disease usually affects the leaves and stems of the plant and can cause them to turn yellow and fall off. To manage leaf spot, prune off infected leaves and destroy them. You can also apply a fungicide to the plant to prevent the spread of the disease.
Pests
One of the most common pests that can affect Eremophila maculata 'Aurea' (Prostrate) is spider mites. These tiny pests can cause leaves to turn yellow and fall off. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with a mixture of water and neem oil or insecticidal soap. You can also use predatory mites to control the population of spider mites.
Another pest that can affect Eremophila maculata 'Aurea' (Prostrate) is aphids. These small insects can cause leaves to curl and distort. To manage aphids, spray the plant with a mixture of water and insecticidal soap. You can also use natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings to control the population of aphids.
Overall, Eremophila maculata 'Aurea' (Prostrate) is a hardy and resistant plant that requires little maintenance. By following the tips above, you can help ensure that your plant remains healthy and free from pests and diseases.
