Eremophila Nivea

Class

Dicotyledoneae

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Scrophulariaceae

Order

Lamiales

Genus

Eremophila

Species

Nivea

Description

A small, evergreen perennial shrub with a bushy, upright habit, characterised by tomentose leaves and stems – that is, covered in a dense down that gives them a silvery-white sheen, similar to snow, as indicated by the specific epithet ‘nivea’. It flowers from early spring until the end of summer, producing lilac-coloured tubular flowers. It prefers warm, dry climates and full sun. Once properly established in its new planting site, it tolerates drought.

Curiosities and special features

The name of the botanical genus, Eremophila, derives from the Greek eremos, meaning ‘solitary’ or ‘desert-dwelling’, and phílos, meaning ‘friend’, emphasising the plant’s affinity with desert and arid environments, whilst the specific epithet ‘nivea’ refersto the whitish tomentous covering that characterises the stems and leaves, indicative of an evolutionary adaptation to drought.

Origin and distribution

A botanical species native to south-western Australia, it was first described in 1986 by the botanist Robert Chinnock.

Leaf

The leaves have a lanceolate, linear blade and are tomentose, that is, covered with soft down that is pleasant to the touch.

Leaf colour

Solid in colour with silvery-white highlights due to the presence of a dense, soft down covering the leaf surface.

Plant height

The plant’s height varies from 1 to 2 metres, depending on growing conditions.

Lifespan

Perennial evergreen shrub.

Where to plant

Thanks to its well-developed growth habit and the unique nature of its foliage, it is well suited as a plant for flowerbeds, balconies, rockeries, large pots and terraces.

Stem

The stem is semi-woody; the plant has no thorns.

Flower

The flower is simple in shape and of medium size, with a tubular corolla and solid-coloured petals. It flowers from early spring to late summer, with a flowering period of between 60 and 90 days. It has distinctive characteristics; it is slightly fragrant, with a delicate aroma. It attracts bees.

Growth

A plant with a rounded growth habit.

Plant habit

It develops an upright, bushy habit.

PH

It prefers a slightly acidic soil pH, between 5.5 and 6.5. Care should also be taken with the water used for watering, which must also be slightly acidic so as not to alter the optimal acidity level required by the plant.

Soil preparation

Before transplanting in late spring, dig the soil to a depth of about 20–30 cm, removing any weeds, residues from previous crops and large stones. Continue by working organic or slow-release chemical fertiliser evenly into the soil, then break up any large clods by hoeing. Create a slight mound to form a raised bed, which will improve soil drainage and thus prevent harmful waterlogging. Finally, add professional-grade growing medium to the surface to a depth of 5–10 cm, levelling it carefully.

Sun exposure

It requires a position infull sun.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 20 and 30 °C during the growing season. The survival temperature range is between -5 and 40 °C; in areas with harsh winters, it is advisable to protect the plant with non-woven fabric (TNT) or to grow it in pots, which should be kept in a bright, temperate location.

Use

Thanks to the elegance of its leaves and flowers, as well as its low water requirements, it is highly prized as a shrub in:
Outdoor ornamental settings

Hardiness

Moderately hardy; once properly established in its new planting site, it tolerates dry summer heat and has low water requirements. It is sensitive to high ambient humidity and to winter cold with prolonged, severe frosts.

Soil

The ideal soil for Eremophila is of medium texture and well-drained. For growing in pots, choose a good-quality potting mix containing peat, perlite and pumice.

Difficulty

It is easy to grow, provided the correct growing conditions are ensured, particularly in terms of exposure and temperature. Thelow level of maintenance required makes the plant even more practical.

Growing tips

Some specific growing tips to encourage better vegetative growth and abundant flowering:
Plants will not flower in low light Avoid overwatering Keep the growing medium dry in cold weather Place outdoors once there is no longer any risk of frost It prefers a hot, dry climate It can be planted in a flowerbed, even in full sun. Place the plant in the brightest possible spot

Planting

An average planting density of 5 plants per square metre in the flowerbed is recommended to ensure proper vegetative growth, thereby achieving a compact and well-proportioned final arrangement. It is also advisable to remove the seedling from its container without damaging the roots, placing it in a raised bed with the root collar above ground level, taking care not to compress the root ball excessively, and watering immediately after planting whilst ensuring that water does not become waterlogged.

Pruning

Prune after flowering to maintain a compact and well-proportioned shape.

Propagation

Propagation is carried out from seed, cuttings or by grafting.

Watering

A plant with low water requirements that is sensitive to waterlogging.

Water sparingly with water that is slightly acidic and has low salinity, applying it directly to the growing medium or soil; reduce watering in winter.

Do not water the plant from above to prevent the spread of fungal diseases.

Fertilising

A plant with modest nutritional requirements that is sensitive to over-fertilisation.

In early spring, apply a granular fertiliser specifically designed for ornamental plants to the potting mix or soil; alternatively, use a liquid fertiliser – to be diluted in the watering can – without exceeding the recommended dose or frequency.

Edibility for humans

Non-edible

Tip

High levels of ambient humidity can lead to an increased risk of fungal diseases, partly due to the downy coating on the stems and leaves; for this reason, it is advisable not to water the plant from above. In areas with harsh winters, protect the plant with non-woven fabric (TNT) or grow it in a pot which can be moved to a bright, temperate spot.