Species

Scaevola aemulaFan Flower

3 other cultivars

groundcover

Fan Flower

Scaevola aemula 'Purple Fanfare'

The Story

Plant Bio

Scaevola aemula, the fan flower, is a tender Australian perennial groundcover with trailing stems and mid-green, toothed leaves. The distinct fan-shaped flowers feature five petals arranged entirely on one side of the central tube, blooming continuously from spring until the first frost.

'Purple Fanfare' is distinguished by its exceptionally vigorous trailing habit and rich violet-purple flowers that are larger than those of the species. This cultivar is highly tolerant of summer heat and coastal conditions, making it ideal for hanging baskets and retaining walls.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides continuous, vibrant violet-purple color in hanging baskets, containers, and borders throughout the warm season.

Functions as a highly heat-tolerant, self-cleaning groundcover that requires no deadheading.

Attracts and supports native bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insect pollinators.

SpeciesScaevola aemulaFan Flower

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Groundcover

Height

12"

Width

60"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

Water

Moderate

Humidity

High tolerance

Lifespan

Tender perennial (grown as an annual)

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Spring – Fall

In flower about 9 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site with light, sandy or loamy soil that drains rapidly.
Position the plant in full sun to maximize flower production, though partial shade is tolerated.
Water moderately during establishment, then reduce frequency to allow the top inch of soil to dry between waterings.
Trim trailing stems lightly in midsummer to maintain shape and stimulate fresh flowering wood.

Pro Tip

Avoid heavy clay soils and overwatering, which quickly trigger fatal root rot; sharp drainage is non-negotiable for survival. Additionally, skip high-phosphorus fertilizers, as excessive levels stunt shoot growth and suppress flowering.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide sharp drainage to prevent root rot.
Use a low-phosphorus, slow-release fertilizer sparingly in spring.
Grow as an annual or bring containers indoors before the first hard freeze.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy, poorly drained clay soils.
Do not cut back into old, leafless woody stems, as they fail to reshoot.
Do not overwater or allow the roots to sit in waterlogged soil.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Hanging basketsWindow boxesGroundcoverRock gardensRetaining walls

Companion Plants

Calibrachoa Lantana Angelonia Pentas

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Fan Flower questions

What zones can Fan Flower grow in?

Fan Flower is hardy in USDA Zone 10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Fan Flower deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Fan Flower, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Fan Flower bloom?

Fan Flower typically blooms in spring through fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Fan Flower need full sun?

Fan Flower does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Fan Flower drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Fan Flower handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.