Melinda Myers

Fan Flower

Botanical Name

Scaevola aemula

Hardiness

Zones 10 to 11, grown as annual elsewhere

Height

9 to 18 inches

Width

12 to 24 inches

Flowers

Summer till frost: shades of blue, violet

Light

Full sun to part shade

Soil

Well-drained

Planting & Care

• Sow seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before last frost
• Use several plants in a container or space 20 to 24 inches apart in the garden
• Drought and salt tolerant
• Fan flower can be overwintered indoors. Take 3 to 4 cuttings and root in moist vermiculite or a well-drained potting mix. I find setting the pot in a plastic bag left open increases the humidity to encourage rooting without leading to rot. Once rooted, they can be moved to their permanent container, placed in a sunny location and grow as a houseplant.
• You can also bring the whole plant indoors and raise it like a houseplant. Grow in a bright, sunny window or under artificial lights and keep the soil moist. Don't be alarmed if the plant drops most of its leaves. It will soon send out new leaves more suited for its indoor location.

Problems

None serious

Varieties

• Blue Wonder - dark blue flowers
• Whirlwind White - white flowers
• Whirlwind Pink - pink flowers
• Whirlwind Starlight - blue flowers streaked with white