Also known as Fan Flower · 20 saves
Scaevola
Scaevola, the genus most gardeners know as fan flower. We track 7 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 6 most-saved Scaevola varieties
Browse all 7 Scaevola varieties →
Species of Scaevola
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Scaevola in Sow
Save the Scaevola you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Scaevola
Whats common across all Scaevola varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 7 most-grown of them.
The Scaevola year
- FertilizeApril–August100% of varieties
Apply balanced liquid fertilizer every 6 weeks for continuous bloom
- PlantMarch–May71% of varieties
Plant transplants outdoors after all danger of frost has passed
- PruneJuly and August57% of varieties
Trim back leggy stems by 1/3 to refresh shape and density
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 |
| Snails and slugs | Chewed margins and holes on soft new spring foliage. | Apply organic iron silicate baits or establish physical barriers around the base. |
| Root rot | Wilting and yellowing leaves | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Root rot (Phytophthora dieback) | Sudden wilting, foliage collapse, and blackening of stems at the soil line. | Improve soil drainage, reduce irrigation, and apply a suitable fungicide if detected early. |
| Fungal collar rot | Browning and softening of the stem base at the soil line, leading to sudden wilting and plant death. | Improve soil drainage, avoid overwatering, and clear mulch away from the immediate stem base. |
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 7 distinct Scaevola varieties. The most popular — ranked by 20 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Scaevola grow in?
Across its varieties, Scaevola covers USDA Zones 9–10. 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, summer, fall, spring, 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.