Scaevola - How to Grow and Care for Fan Flower

Other common names:

Fan flower, fairy fan flower, half flower

Plant type:

Annual in most areas of the country. In warm climates (zones 9-11), it can be treated as a tender perennial.

Bloom period:

Late spring into fall

Flower color and characteristics:

Blue, pink, white, and purple, with bright yellow-and-white throats. Although each bloom has only five petals (thus the common name “half flower”), the flowers grow in clusters around the stems, creating whorls of color.

Foliage:

Small bright-green oval leaves with toothed edges.

Mature height/spread:

6 to 14 inches tall, and 1 to 2 feet wide

Special attributes:

• Drought and heat tolerant once established.
• Flowers are self-cleaning, making deadheading unnecessary.
• Attracts butterflies, bees, and other pollinating insects.
• Few pest or disease problems.

Photo by NagyG / Shutterstock.

Where to plant:

Plant fan flower in a location that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight daily in well-drained garden soil. Fan flowers aren’t particular about soil type or pH, but they won’t tolerate soggy conditions. Because fan flowers are drought-tolerant, they are a good choice for low-water gardens. They also do well in coastal gardens because they aren’t bothered by salty air.

When to plant:

In spring, after all danger of frost is past.

How to plant:

Before planting fan flower in garden beds, amend heavy or dense soil with organic matter to improve drainage. Place your plants at the same depth at which they were growing in their containers, spacing them about 12 to 18 inches apart to give them room to spread.

Watering:

Fan flowers are very drought-tolerant, so only water when the soil feels dry. Keep transplants well-watered for the first few weeks until they become established.

Fertilizing:

To coax the most prolific bloom production from fan flower, fertilize your plants regularly using a water-soluble fertilizer or a slow-release granular fertilizer added to the soil at planting time, following the dosage recommendations given on the package. Container-grown plants may need more frequent fertilizing to keep them looking their best.

Pruning:

Fan flowers don't need deadheading, but they may benefit from pinching back of the stems if they become too leggy. This will help to stimulate new growth and make your plants look fuller.

Problems:

Fan flower is impervious to most pests and diseases, but it is prone to root rot if soil conditions are too wet. Proper soil composition, elevated garden beds, and containers with adequate drainage holes are the best ways to ensure good drainage and optimum moisture levels.

PRO TIP:

"Container plants may be overwintered indoors or cuttings may be taken in late summer for overwintering indoors. Bedding plants may be potted up in fall and overwintered." — Missouri Botanical Garden

Does fan flower come back every year?

Fan flower is typically grown as an annual in most regions. It’s only perennial in frost-free climates (Zones 10–11), where it may return year after year.

How do you keep fan flower blooming?

Fan flower is naturally long-blooming and self-cleaning, so it doesn't need deadheading. Just give it full sun, average water, and a monthly dose of fertilizer to keep the blooms going strong all season.

Why is my fan flower not blooming?

Fan flower needs plenty of sunlight—at least 6 hours a day—to bloom well. If it's not flowering, it may be in too much shade or need a boost from fertilizer. Also check for overly wet soil, which can stress the plant.

Does Scaevola spread?

Scaevola has a trailing or spreading habit, especially in containers or along the ground, but it stays compact and controlled. It’s not invasive and won’t take over your garden.

"Angel Wings" container recipe includes Angelface® Cascade Blue angeloina, Supertunia® Really Red petunia, Whirlwind® Blue and Whirlwind® White fan flower.

In containers:

Because fan flower has a trailing growth habit, it is the ideal spiller plant for containers, hanging baskets, and window boxes. Be sure to use a general-purpose potting mix that will drain freely, and place your plants near the edges so they can cascade over the sides to show off their dainty flowers.

Fan flowers look great planted alone, but they are equally stunning in mixed container plantings, paired with other heat-loving summer annuals that have good drought tolerance. You can’t go wrong with any of these container companions:

• Sweet potato vine
• Verbenas
• Calibrachoa
• Supertunias
• ‘Silver Falls’ dichondra
• Goldilocks Rocks® bidens
• Angelonia
• Marigold

Garden uses:

In addition to being a perfect container companion, scaevola can also be used as a groundcover, in the front of a bed or border, in rock gardens, and also in cut flower arrangements.