Family: Goodeniaceae
Common Name: Fan Flower

Most of the around 90 species of small shrubs, perennials and vines belonging to this genus are Australian natives, although some are found in subtropical and tropical regions of Asia, Polynesia, Africa and America. Many of the cultivated Australian species have distinctive, fan-shaped, blue flowers, the five petals being arranged on only one side. These are borne in profusion over many months, but mainly in spring and summer. They make excellent plants for massed displays, rockeries and for trailing over embankments, and are also suitable for pots. In the UK, the frost-tender scaevolas are becoming increasingly popular for summer bedding and for summer display in patio containers and hanging baskets. They can also be grown in a cool greenhouse or conservatory.

Species

S. aemula, fairy fan flower, a native of Australia, is a prostrate, mat-forming plant with blue or purple-blue flowers in summer.

S. albida is a spreading plant about 30 cm (12 in) high, producing white, pale blue or mauve flowers from spring through to summer.

S. calendulacea is a groundcover plant, growing naturally on sand dunes where it is a useful sand binder. The blue flowers seem to appear throughout the year.

S. crassifolia, from Western Australia, is a rounded shrub, about 1 m (3 ft) high and wide, with thick, serrated, dark green leaves and bright blue or mauve flowers.

S. frutescens, beach naupaka, from Polynesia and northern Australia, is a spreading shrub, to 3 m (10 ft) high. The leaves are fleshy and the white flowers, streaked with purple, are followed by white fruits.

S. ramosissima, from New South Wales, has a scrambling habit, spreading to 1 m (3 ft), and growing to 25 cm (10 in) tall. It produces large, blueish purple, summer flowers.

S. striata, from Western Australia, is a low-growing, bushy shrub, to 30 cm (12 in), with a spreading habit. The deep purple flowers have a yellow throat.

Cultivation

Propagate from seed sown in spring and germinated at 21°C (70°F) or propagate from softwood cuttings in spring or summer, in a heated propagating case. If growing under glass in pots, use soil-based potting compost and provide bright light, but shade from direct sun. For outdoor display, plant out when frosts are over in well-drained but moisture-retentive soil, in a sunny or partially shady spot.

Climate

Zone 10.