I would be very interested in growing Ememophila Biserrata at my property in Rutherglen Victoria 3685. The soil I have is well drained and clay. Winter temperatures can fall to minus 4 degrees C and summer as much as 40 degrees C. Do you think this plant would survive here and where would I be likely to get seedlings?
Any information you can provide would be greatly appreciated.
These plants can usually tolerate a light frost. However, temps lower than 20 degrees F (-6.7 C) will kill most eremophila plants. Based on this, I think the plants should be okay, though a bit of winter mulching wouldn't hurt.
They are also drought tolerant and thrive in hot, dry areas, so the heat of summer should not be an issue provided it's not an extended drought. They're generally hardy in to Zones 9-10.
How does a dormant emu bush look?
An evergreen shrub it should maintain it's leaves through it's dormant or slow growing period.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/emu-bush/growing-emu-bushes.htm
My bush has branches turning brown and very brittle. What could be the cause?
This could be due to dry weather, or in the worst case scenario, a fungal issue. To be sure, you can put some wettable sulfur around, and they will take care of any fungal infection. This article will guide you on proper care of these: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/emu-bush/growing-emu-bushes.htm
Would like to grow emu bush and was wondering the best way to grow from a seed?
This can be very tricky. This website will tell you everything you need to know in detail: http://anpsa.org.au/erem2.html
cu t back) the one I have in my garden now as it is getting very leggie?
This process is not straight forward. Here is a website that addresses the issue, quite, in depth:
http://www.anpsa.org.au/APOL6/jun97-5.html
If you do manage to get some germinated, the care is simple:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/emu-bush/growing-emu-bushes.htm
As far as pruning goes- I would only do so when there is dead growth, or infected growth.