Eremophila glabra Grey Horizon ['Erem1'] PP29,275 (Gray Emu Bush) - A low growing wide spreading shrub to 1 foot tall by 4+ feet wide with narrow 1- to 2-inch-long leaves that are covered with dense hairs making the foliage a whitish gray color. In late winter through mid-spring appear the flowers held within the leaves that are pale yellow blushed orange on the exterior.
Plant in full sun to light shade in a well-drained soil. Water occasionally to infrequently - tolerates heavier soils if care is used not to overirrigate. Hardy to moderate frosts and likely temperatures to at least down to 20°F. For a more manicured look, it is recommended that this plant be pruned or lightly sheared to shape in spring or fall every 2-3 years. It should prove to be a nice low maintenance drought tolerant large scale groundcover or low border plant.
Eremophila glabra is a widespread species found in the dry areas of all mainland states of Australia. The name for the genus was derived from the Greek word 'eremos' meaning "lonely" or "desert" and 'philos' meaning "dear" "beloved" in reference to the plants in the genus growing in arid climate locations. The specific epithet is from the Latin word 'glaber' meaning "without hairs" or "smooth surfaced" which references to the shiny glabrous leaves of many of the forms of Eremophila glabra, but obviously not this one. Eremophila is closely related to Myoporum and were long placed in the same family, the Myoporaceae, but this family has been absorbed into the Figwort family, the Scrophulariaceae and placed in the Myoporeae Tribe.
The Grey Horizon cultivar, introduced by Todd Layt of Ozbreed plants, was a naturally occurring mutation that occurred at his nursery in Clarendon, New South Wales, Australia. It was selected for its vigor, prostrate habit, icy-blue colored foliage and short internode length that makes it a nice dense plant with foliage that hides the stems. It received Plant Breeders Rights in Australia under the cultivar name Eremophila glabra 'Erem1' in June 2015 and US Plant Patent PP29,275 on My 8, 2018. It is marketed in the U.S. by Dig Plants. Eremophila glabra 'Erem1' has also been marketed in Australia under the name "Blue Horizon" but many thought the name a bit confusing since it was describing not the flowers, which on this cultivar are a pale yellow, but the blue-gray foliage, so the marketing name used for this plant in the U.S. is "Grey Horizon". We also grow the very hardy and durable green foliaged Eremophila glabra 'Mingenew Gold' as well as several Eremophila maculata cultivars.
This information about Eremophila glabra Grey Horizon ['EREM1'] PP29,275 displayed is based on research conducted in our horticultural library and from reliable online resources. We also will relate observations made about it as it grows in our nursery gardens and other gardens we have visited, as well how the crops have performed in containers in our nursery field. We will also incorporate comments that we receive from others and we welcome hearing from anyone with additional information, particularly if they can share any cultural information that would aid others in growing it.
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