Eremophila, Genus, debilis, Species,
- Genus & species
winter apple
Overview
Eremophila debilis is a low, spreading evergreen perennial or sub-shrub, formerly placed in the genus Myoporum, forming a trailing mat 2-6 inches (5-15 cm) high and spreading 24-60 inches (60-150 cm) wide. The slender stems root where they touch moist soil, carrying narrow lance-shaped leaves 0.6-2 inches (1.5-5 cm) long with finely toothed margins, bright green and slightly fleshy. Small bell-shaped flowers about 0.2 inch (5 mm) across open white to pale lilac, sometimes spotted, scattered along the stems through the warmer months. The flowers are followed by rounded fleshy fruits about 0.2-0.3 inch (5-8 mm) wide that ripen pink to purple and give the plant its common name. Growth is fast, and a single plant can cover 3 feet (1 m) in a season. It tolerates light foot traffic and coastal conditions but is damaged by hard frost and prolonged drought.
Native Range
Native to eastern Australia, occurring in Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria, with naturalised populations elsewhere. It grows in grassland, open woodland, and disturbed ground, often on clay and loam soils, from the coast to inland slopes.Suggested Uses
Used as a groundcover and spillover plant in native gardens, rockeries, embankments, and containers, spaced 24-36 inches (60-90 cm) apart. Its rooting stems suit erosion control on banks and gaps between paving. The fleshy fruits draw birds and were eaten by Aboriginal people.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2" - 6"
Width/Spread2' - 5'
Bloom Information
Flowers through spring and summer (September to March), with scattered blooms whenever conditions are mild and moist. Individual flowers are small and short-lived, but the plant flowers over many weeks. Fleshy fruits ripen from late spring into autumn.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
white to pale lilacFoliage Description
bright greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in full sun to part shade on most soils, including clay and loam, preferring moderate moisture and free drainage. Fast to establish, it needs regular water through the first season, then tolerates short dry spells while flowering less in drought. The stems root as they spread, so the plant fills gaps quickly and can be lifted in pieces to propagate. Hard frost burns the foliage, and growth slows or stops over cold winters. No routine feeding is needed on average soils. Few pests affect it, though stems thin out in deep shade.Pruning
Trimming the spreading stems in late winter or after the main flush keeps the mat dense and within bounds. The plant reshoots from cut stems and from the base. Rooted sections can be cut away to control spread or to start new plants.Pruning Schedule
Prune: August
winter
Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons
