Another plant up for your consideration for this coming summer is called the fan flower or Scaevola aemula. Not to be confused with the Beach Naupaka or Scaevola taccada – a local invasive plant found in many local coastal areas – the fan flower is a cultivated tender perennial that is a must for hanging baskets and mixed planters. You will become a fan of the fan flower!
The fan flower is originally from Australia and has since been developed into tender a cultivated perennial/annual for the bedding plant market. Generally coming in pink, blue, lavender-purple, and white, the flower is unique as it grows in a fan-shape – each petal almost like the finger of a hand. The small simple leaves are somewhat succulent to the touch. With each plant growing about two-feet feet wide and around one foot in height, this trailing plant can be used as a groundcover in flower beds, but perhaps is at its best in a hanging basket or cascading over a stone/retaining wall taking advantage of its natural sprawling nature. Fan flowers will also likely do well on sandy, slightly slopping areas. Used in container gardening with larger flowering plants located in the middle, the low-growing fan flowers can provide a nice feature as they spill over the rim. Fan flowers also look good mixed with flowers of equal height for a glorious mixed texture display. Well-drained soil is a must to prevent root rots as fan flowers are able to tolerate some drought – water as needed but not to excess.
There are now so many good fan flower cultivars that it is hard to pick just one. Some Scaevola selections include the ´Bombay® series, the ´Fairy™ series, and the ´Whirlwind® series all with pink, white, blue, and lavender-purple color choices. Another cultivar, ´Pink Charm™´ has pink flowers, but is only four- inches tall and five inches wide at maturity. This dwarf cultivar can make a nice groundcover for mass planting or even flower bed borders. Fan flowers are very attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, so expect these floral assets to your landscape.
Treated more like annuals than perennials, they are hardy in our area which may extend their useful flowering life. If a freeze is predicted, be prepared to bring them inside or cover them if you wish to overwinter these flowers.
Fan flowers will add to your plant palette selection with a texture and appearance that no other ornamental can provide. The more you grow this charming flower, the more of an enthusiastic devote you will become – a true fan of the fan flower! For more information on growing all types of annual/perennial flowering plants in our area, or to ask a question, you can also call the Master Gardener Volunteer Helpdesk on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 1 to 4 pm at 764-4340 for gardening help and insight into their role as an Extension volunteer. Ralph E. Mitchell is the Director/Horticulture Agent for UF/IFAS Extension Charlotte County. He can be reached at 941-764-4344 or ralph.mitchell@charlottecountyfl.gov. Connect with us on social media. Like us on Facebook @CharlotteCountyExtension and follow us on Instagram @ifascharco.
Resources:
Smith, E. M. L. (2024) Scaevola works as border, groundcover or in container. Mississippi State University Extension Service.
Fan Flower (2023) Plant Profiles – UF/IFAS Extension Orange County.
Henderson County Master Gardener Association (2025) Fan Flower ‘Topaz Pink’. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.
Scaevola aemula. (2025) North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox. NC State Extension.
Smith, B. H. Scaevola or Fan Flower. Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service.
Pink Charm Fan Flower – Scaevola aemula ‘Pink Charm’ (2025). New Garden Landscaping & Nursery.
Scaevola taccada, Beach Naupaka (2025) Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
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