Fairy Fan Flower (Scaevola aemula)

Fairy Fan Flower

Scaevola aemula

Delicate fan-shaped blooms trail soft color all summer. Low-growing trailing perennial; common names: fairy fan flower, common fan flower.

Full sun
1–2/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Full sun to partial shade; tolerates coastal salt spray for seaside gardens
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Watering Water when the top 2–3 cm of soil is dry; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
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Temperature Thrives in 15–25°C; protect from frost below 10°C to prevent foliage damage
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Small, linear to lance-shaped, slightly fleshy, green to gray-green, with serrated margins
  • Flower: Fan-shaped, five petals arranged in a half-circle, colors include blue, purple, pink, or white
  • Stem: Slender, trailing stems that root at nodes when in contact with soil
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Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged

Fertilization

Diluted balanced liquid feed every 2 weeks. Cease fertilization in autumn to prepare the plant for dormancy

Banana peel compost tea:Compost banana peels for 2–4 weeks, steep in water for 24 hours, dilute 1:20 for root drench to promote continuous blooms
Pruning
  • Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous flowering throughout the growing season
  • Trim leggy stems in mid-summer to maintain a compact, bushy growth habit
  • Cut back to 5–10 cm in late autumn to remove damaged foliage and prepare for winter dormancy
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA-verified non-toxic to cats; no reported toxicity

Humans: Non-toxic to humans; no known adverse effects from ingestion or contact

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Ground cover, hanging basket filler, coastal garden planting, and container decoration