Also known as Fan Flower · 14 gardener saves
Scaevola: the varieties gardeners actually grow
Scaevola, the genus most gardeners know as fan flower. We track 5 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 5 most-saved Scaevola varieties
Of 5 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedFan Flower
Scaevola aemula
#2 most savedFan Flower Whirlwind White
Scaevola aemula 'Whirlwind White'
#3 most savedWhirlwind Blue Fan Flower
Scaevola aemula 'Whirlwind Blue'
Fan Flower
Scaevola aemula 'Whirlwind Pink'
Fan Flower
Scaevola aemula 'Whirlwind Starlight'
How to grow Scaevola
What the Scaevola varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 5 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
The Scaevola year
- PlantMarch–May100% of varieties
Plant transplants outdoors after all danger of frost has passed
- FertilizeApril–August100% of varieties
Apply balanced liquid fertilizer every 6 weeks for continuous bloom
- PruneJuly40% of varieties
Trim back leggy stems by 1/3 to refresh shape and density
- Pinch TipsMay and June40% of varieties
Pinch tips early for bushier growth; shear back leggy stems mid-summer
- DeadheadJune–September40% of varieties
Generally self-cleaning, but remove spent flowers if appearance declines
Do
- Water deeply during dry spells 🌱
- Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring
- Prune after flowering to encourage bushiness
- Water during dry spells 🌱
- Prune after flowering to shape the plant
Avoid
- Overwater to avoid root rot ❌
- Neglect pruning after flowering
- Plant in heavy clay soil ❌
- Allow soil to stay soggy ❌
What goes wrong with Scaevola
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Mealybugs | White cottony masses on stems | Use neem oil or insecticidal soap |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing and speckled leaves | Increase humidity and apply insecticidal soap |
| Root rot | Wilting and yellowing leaves | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
Making more Scaevola
Cuttings
- Take 4-inch cuttings in summer.
- Dip cut end in rooting hormone.
- Plant in moist soil and keep warm for 6 weeks.
Seeds
- Sow seeds on surface of moist seed-starting mix.
- Cover lightly and keep moist.
- Germinate in warm conditions for 2-3 weeks.
Scaevola questions
How many types of Scaevola are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 5 distinct Scaevola varieties. The most popular — ranked by 14 real gardener saves — are shown first above.
What zones does Scaevola grow in?
Across its varieties, Scaevola covers USDA Zones 10–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Scaevola bloom?
Most Scaevola varieties bloom in spring to fall, spring, summer, fall, summer, fall. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Scaevola should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.
Keep exploring
Scaevola shows up in
By hardiness zone
Design with Scaevola in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
