Scaevola Care: How to Grow the Fan Flower Plant

The Scaevola plant, known as the Fan Flower, originates from the arid regions of Australia. It is frequently used in hanging baskets, containers, and as a sprawling ground cover, valued for its distinctive fan-shaped flowers and a bloom season that lasts all summer. In most growing zones, it is treated as a hardy annual that requires minimal attention to thrive.

Scaevola Planting and Growing Conditions

The plant flourishes and produces the most abundant flowers when it receives at least six to eight hours of direct, full sunlight each day. While it can survive in partial shade, the density of its signature blooms will likely be reduced.

Well-draining soil is essential for a healthy Scaevola. Native to dry environments, its root system is susceptible to rot in waterlogged conditions. For container planting, a standard potting mix amended with perlite or coarse sand will improve drainage. In garden beds, heavy clay soils should be modified with organic matter like compost.

Consistent moisture is preferred, but the plant is notably drought-tolerant once it has established a strong root system. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, providing a deep soaking that encourages roots to grow downward. Scaevola is tolerant of high heat and average humidity, performing well in summer temperatures between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. When planting, space individual plants about 12 to 18 inches apart for adequate air circulation and room to spread.

Ongoing Care and Maintenance

To fuel its continuous blooming, applying a balanced, all-purpose liquid fertilizer every few weeks during spring and summer is beneficial. Alternatively, a slow-release granular fertilizer can be mixed into the soil at the time of planting. Container-grown plants may require more frequent feeding as nutrients leach out more quickly with each watering.

Scaevola is a “self-cleaning” plant. It naturally drops its spent flowers, so deadheading is not required to encourage new blooms. While pruning is generally unnecessary for the plant’s health, you can pinch back the stems in the middle of the season. This action can help create a fuller, bushier shape if the plant starts to look leggy or sparse.

Solving Common Scaevola Issues

Scaevola is resistant to most common garden pests and diseases. The primary health issue is root rot, caused by overwatering and soil that does not drain properly. The first sign is often yellowing leaves, which indicates the roots are stressed from excess moisture. Ensuring proper soil composition from the start is the best prevention.

Although infrequent, pests such as aphids or spider mites can sometimes appear, especially if plants are stressed. These can be managed with insecticidal soap. Leggy growth, characterized by long, sparse stems with few flowers, is almost always a result of insufficient sunlight. Moving the plant to a sunnier location will usually resolve this and encourage more compact growth and better flowering.

How to Overwinter Scaevola

While often grown as an annual, Scaevola is a tender perennial and can be kept through the winter in colder climates. Prepare the plant in the fall before the first frost by inspecting it carefully for any pests and treat them if necessary to avoid bringing them indoors.

Once clear of pests, prune the entire plant back by about half to two-thirds its size. If it is planted in the ground, pot it up in a container with fresh, well-draining potting mix. Place the container in a location indoors that receives bright, direct sunlight, such as a south-facing window. During the winter months, significantly reduce watering and cease fertilizing to let the plant enter a state of dormancy.