Fan Flower
Scaevola aemula
An Australian trailing plant grown for its unusual fan-shaped flowers, with five petals all spread to one side like a tiny hand. Heat- and drought-tolerant, it blooms nonstop in blue, purple, pink or white, ideal for baskets and containers.
- Light
- Full sun to part shade
- Water
- Moderate; tolerates short dry spells
- Difficulty
- Easy
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Overview
Fan flower, or scaevola, is a spreading, mounding plant prized for its distinctive flowers in which all the petals fan out to one side, as if half a flower. It is heat-tolerant and self-cleaning, flowering continuously through summer with minimal care.
Native to Australia, it is a top choice for hanging baskets, window boxes and the front of containers, trailing gracefully over the edges.
How to identify it
- Low, spreading to trailing habit, mounding 6-12 in (15-30 cm) tall and spilling over edges
- Leaves are small, slightly fleshy, toothed and green
- Flowers are unmistakable fan or hand shapes with five petals arranged on one side, about 1 in wide
- Colors are mainly blue and purple, plus pink and white forms, usually with a yellow throat
- Self-cleaning, so it needs little deadheading
Care & growing
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Water: Moderate; established plants tolerate brief dry spells but bloom best with regular water
- Soil: Well-drained, slightly acidic soil or potting mix
- Temperature: Heat-tolerant and frost-tender
- Feeding: Feed regularly in containers for steady flowering; avoid high-phosphorus feeds which it dislikes
- Propagation: Usually from cuttings of named varieties
Little maintenance needed; trim lightly if stems get leggy to renew the mound.
Habitat & origin
Native to Australia, where it grows in coastal and sandy habitats and tolerates heat and poor soils.
Grown worldwide as a warm-season ornamental, especially in hanging baskets, mixed containers and as a flowering ground cover.
Uses & benefits
- Ornamental: Excellent trailing or spilling plant for baskets, window boxes and container combinations; also a flowering ground cover
- Practical: Heat- and drought-tolerant, low-maintenance and self-cleaning
- Ecological: Attracts bees and butterflies
Frequently asked questions
Why do fan flowers look like half a flower?
All five petals of each bloom are arranged on one side in a fan or hand shape, which gives the plant its common name and distinctive look.
Do I need to deadhead fan flower?
No, scaevola is essentially self-cleaning and blooms continuously without deadheading, though light trimming keeps it tidy.
Is fan flower good for hanging baskets?
Yes, its trailing, mounding habit and nonstop bloom make it one of the best plants for baskets and container edges.
How much sun does fan flower need?
It flowers best in full sun but tolerates partial shade, and it handles heat very well.
Fan Flower guides
In-depth guides for identifying, growing, and caring for Fan Flower.
