Guides’ plant of the month for September

Eremophila nivea, or silky eremophila, is a perennial drought-tolerant plant with soft, silky and attractive greyish-white foliage and beautiful pale violet flowers with dense hairy sepals. The flowers can vary in colour from blue to violet and purple.

Eremophila nivea grows 1 to 2 metres and can be tip-pruned after flowering. Flowers appear in late winter through to spring. Its flowers attract nectar-seeking birds, insects and butterflies.

The name Eremophila means lover of poverty or drought and the species generally grows in arid areas of Australia. It is sometimes known as poverty bush. The Eremophila nivea is classified as critically endangered in its natural habitat.

In the Botanic Gardens, Eremophila nivea is growing in the Conservation Garden and on the Mound. Check with the Guides in the Visitor Information Centre if you need help finding it.

Eremophila nivea is a good choice for a waterwise garden. It requires an open, sunny position with good airflow. It can be raised as a pot specimen, but should be watered only at the base of the plant when the soil is dry. The plant can be purchased at accredited nurseries and you may find it at the Friends of Kings Park native plant sale in September.