White Scaevola Fan Flower | Live Plant | Australian Evergreen Shrub | Zones 9–11 | Pots & Baskets

White Scaevola Fan Flower – Live Plant

The White Scaevola (Scaevola aemula) is a sun-loving Australian native shrub celebrated for its distinctive fan-shaped white flowers that bloom in cheerful circular clusters from spring through fall. A prolific, long-season bloomer that thrives in heat and tolerates coastal conditions, it is one of the most reliable performers in hanging baskets, patio containers, window boxes, and garden beds. The trailing, spreading habit creates a cascading effect that is especially stunning when the plant is in full bloom.

Hardy in Zones 9–11 as a perennial; grown as a summer annual in cooler climates. Performs beautifully in bright indoor light and makes an exceptional houseplant where winters are cold.

Plant Details

• Botanical Name: Scaevola aemula
• Common Name: Fan Flower, Fairy Fan Flower
• Type: Evergreen shrub — perennial in Zones 9–11; annual elsewhere
• Flower: Fan-shaped white blooms in circular clusters; spring through fall
• Habit: Trailing and spreading — ideal for hanging baskets and containers
• Light: Full sun to bright indirect light; avoid intense midday sun indoors
• Hardiness Zones: 9–11 (perennial); grown as annual in cooler zones
• Origin: Australia

Planting Guide

• Containers: Plant 3–5 starters per 10-inch hanging basket for a full, lush display. For 4-inch pots, 1 plant per pot is ideal.
• Use a well-draining potting mix; fortified container soils with added perlite work best.
• Pinch stems 5–10 days after transplanting to encourage branching and bushy growth; repeat if needed as the plant grows.
• In garden beds, space plants 12–18 inches apart in a sunny, well-drained location.

Care & Maintenance

• Watering: Water regularly and consistently — drought stress causes leaf drop. Do not allow to dry out completely during summer.
• Winter: If overwintering, reduce watering significantly and maintain a minimum temperature of 55°F (13°C).
• Fertilizing: Feed weekly with a diluted liquid fertilizer containing micronutrients — Scaevola is a heavy feeder and rewards generous, consistent fertilization with prolific blooming.
• Deadheading: Not required — Scaevola is self-cleaning and blooms continuously without deadheading.
• Overwintering: In frost-prone areas, bring containers indoors before first frost and place in the brightest available window.

Design Ideas

• Hanging baskets — trailing stems create a dramatic cascading white waterfall effect
• Window boxes and patio containers paired with blue Scaevola for a stunning contrast
• Ground cover in warm-climate garden beds and coastal landscapes
• Mixed container plantings with petunias, calibrachoa, or verbena
• Bright indoor plant in a south or west-facing window