Scientific: Eremophila polyclada x divaricata 'Summertime Blue'
Common: summertime blue emu bush
Family: Myoporaceae (Scrophulariaceae)
Origin: Hybrid of two species of Eremophila found in inland areas of Australia.
Pronounciation: Air-e-mo-FI-la pol-ee-CLA-da die-var-i-KAY-ta
Hardiness zones
Sunset 8, 9, 14-24
USDA 9-11 (arid and semi arid regions are best)
Landscape Use: Large informal accent shrub, screening plant, hummingbird gardens.
Form & Character: Upright and cascading like a fountain, sprawling, colorful, recessive, loose, and informal.
Growth Habit: Evergreen, semi-woody, broadleaf perennial shrub, moderate growth rate to 6-to 10-feet tall with somewhat equal spread. Sparse to later full.
Foliage/Texture: Alternate arrangement, bright green simple, sessile linear leaves to 1 inch long on green stems, wirey; fine texture.
Flowers & Fruits: Profuse, light blue to bluish purple, axillary and tubular on short, curved peduncle, which holds the 1-inch long flowers upright. Fruits are inconspicuous, reddish, sterile.
Seasonal Color: Colorful light blue to bluish purple flowers during March to May.
Temperature: Hardy to 23oF
Light: Full sun to partial shade.
Soil: Extremely salt and alkaline tolerant, needs good drainage.
Watering: Tolerates some aridity.
Pruning: Shear lightly in summer to fall if needed; otherwise mostly leave alone and control growth by regulating irrigation rates.
Propagation: Semi-hardwood cuttings root easily.
Disease and pests: None, except for neighborhood rabbits that can/will browse on lower stems.
Additional comments: This unique, sprawling and cascading hybrid shrub definitely is 'free spirited'. It performs best if given ample space to 'do it's thing'. Flowers attract hummingbirds.
