Use this annual as a colorful groundcover or a trailing plant in containers.
This Australian native is heat- and drought-tolerant, so it’s a good plant for enduring summer months.
Scaevola makes an excellent addition as an annual shrub or groundcover for xeriscape andlow-water gardens.
Credit: Cynthia Haynes
It also fares well in sunny coastal climates and isnt deterred by moist, salty air.
Scaevola can be planted directly in the ground.
Fill in the soil and tamp it down evenly.
Credit: Cynthia Haynes
Water thoroughly and continue to water daily until the seedling is well-established (1 to 2 weeks).
Many of the same standards apply when growing scaevola in containers.Choose a containerwith excellent drainage.
However, they will not tolerate wet soil.
Scaevola ‘White Carpet’.Credit:Claire Takacs/Getty Images
It can also tolerate small amounts of shade but may produce fewer blooms.
It is not particular about the soil pH but wont tolerate soggy soil.
It is not cold hardy, so it isconsidered an annualin most climates.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Even in warmer climates, container-grown plants may need protection if night temperatures dip below 50 degrees.
The thick, fleshy foliage of scaevola has adapted to drought, retaining water through dry spells.
Pruning
Scaevola plants are self-cleaning, so you wont need todeadhead spent blooms.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
Reduce watering and stop fertilizing during these overwintering periods to encourage winter dormancy.
Pests and Problems
Scaevola is tough and disease-resistant in warm, sunny climates with well-draining soil.
To grow scaevola from seed,start your seeds indoorsabout two months before the last frost date.
Credit: Andrew Drake
Once the seeds begin to sprout, move them to a warm, sunny location to continue growing.
Plant your cutting into a small pot filled with medium-coarse potting mix.
Perennial in Zones 1011.
They also last a week or more in the vase, making them a favorite of flower arrangers.
In the rest of the country, it is grown as an annual.
Scaevola aemula(fan flower) is not considered invasiveparticularly since it is not at all tolerant of frost.
Scaevola Taccada - plant finder.Missouri Botanical Garden.
