By Eddie Smith
MSU Extension Service

I am always looking for unique plants that brighten the landscape. Scaevola, commonly known as fan flower, is one of those plants.

Native to Australia and the Pacific Islands, these plants are popular for their distinctive, fan-shaped flowers, versatile growth habit and robust nature.

Scaevola offers both aesthetic appeal and practical benefits.

It is beautiful as the flowers fan out to one side and come in a variety of colors including blue, purple, pink and white. The leaves are simple, alternate and often succulent and fleshy. The plant’s growth habit can be trailing or upright, making it suitable for various landscaping uses.

Scaevola is practical because it thrives in well-drained soil and can withstand poor, sandy soils. It prefers full sun but can also grow in partial shade. It is drought-tolerant once established, regular watering during dry spells supports continuous flowering.

This evergreen perennial is well-suited for warm climates. In Mississippi, it is often grown as an annual, because it is sensitive to frost. If you plant yours in a container and bring it inside for winter, you can enjoy this plant for many years.

I love Scaevola’s dense foliage and spreading habit, which make it an excellent ground cover that is beautiful while stabilizing soil and preventing erosion. This is particularly useful on slopes or in sandy areas where other plants might struggle.

Scaevola’s compact growth makes it suitable for garden borders and edging where it creates a neat, defined look along pathways or garden beds. Combined with other annuals and perennials, the low-growing Scaevola with its bright flowers complement taller plants and fill in gaps, providing a lush, full appearance.

Consistent watering promotes optimal growth and flowering, although good drainage is essential to prevent root rot, especially in containers. Lightly apply a balanced fertilizer during the growing season to help maintain vigor flower production. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.

Regular deadheading encourages continuous blooming. Prune your Scaevola back after the first flush of flowers to promote bushier growth and additional blooms.

While Scaevola is generally pest-free, ensure good air circulation to minimize the risk of fungal diseases.

One popular variety is Scaevola aemula, which is known for its striking pink, blue, purple or white flowers. This selection has a trailing habit that is ideal for hanging baskets and containers. Another good selection is the white-flowered Scaevola albida that is often used as a ground cover.

Incorporating fan flowers into your landscape design can bring a touch of elegance to your space. Whether used in hanging baskets, as a ground cover or in mixed plantings, Scaevola offers versatility and beauty with minimal maintenance.