Fairy Fan Flower
Scaevola aemula
A low-growing, spreading perennial often grown as an annual, featuring unique fan-shaped pink or purple flowers and green, coarsely toothed leaves.
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day
- Water
- Moderate watering needs; water thoroughly when the top layer of soil feels dry. Highly drought tolerant once established, but avoid waterlogged soil.
- Growth
- Spreading, trailing perennial or annual reaching 6 to 12 inches in height and spreading 1 to 3 feet wide with a fast growth rate
Care instructions
Provide full sun to partial shade with well-draining soil. Water regularly to keep the soil moderately moist, allowing the top inch to dry out between waterings. Fertilize lightly during the active growing season.
Growing details
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day
Watering
Moderate watering needs; water thoroughly when the top layer of soil feels dry. Highly drought tolerant once established, but avoid waterlogged soil.
Soil
Rich, well-draining, sandy or loamy soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH range of 6.0 to 7.0
Hardiness zone
USDA Hardiness Zones 9 through 11, treated as an annual in cooler climates
Growth habit
Spreading, trailing perennial or annual reaching 6 to 12 inches in height and spreading 1 to 3 feet wide with a fast growth rate
Bloom season
Blooms from spring through the first autumn frosts, producing distinct fan-shaped pink flowers with yellow centers
Propagation
Propagated easily through stem cuttings taken in spring or summer, or grown from seeds
Common pests & issues
Generally trouble-free, but susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly draining soil. Pests like aphids may occasionally appear.
Similar species
Similar to other Scaevola species, but distinguished by its prostrate spreading habit and distinct fan-shaped pink petals.