A spreading native groundcover smothered in fan-shaped mauve-purple flowers from spring through autumn. A fast, hardy carpet and trailing container plant for sun.
At a glance
- Plant type: Spreading groundcover
- Mature size: 30 cm H × 1 m W
- Aspect: full sun and part shade or morning sun
- Water: happy on low water
- Frost: tender
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Australian native
About Fairy Fan-flower
Scaevola aemula 'Purple Fanfare' is a fast-growing spreading groundcover in the Goodeniaceae family, native to New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia. It reaches around 30 cm tall and 1 m wide at maturity, with evergreen foliage. Purple and blue flowers appear for much of the year.
Where to grow Fairy Fan-flower
Fairy Fan-flower suits warm-temperate, subtropical and Mediterranean climates and grows best in full sun and part shade or morning sun. It is frost tender, so protect it from hard frosts or grow it in a sheltered spot or pot. It also is a genuinely water-wise choice, tolerates salt-laden coastal winds and is usually left alone by rabbits.
Soil & planting
Fairy Fan-flower does best in free-draining and sandy soil. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Fairy Fan-flower performs well with relatively little water once established. As an Australian native, feed it only with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser. Keep a newly planted specimen evenly watered through its first season; established plants can then follow the water needs above.
Pruning & care
Prune Fairy Fan-flower after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. For most gardens, it is low maintenance.
Using Fairy Fan-flower in the garden
Fairy Fan-flower earns its place for pots and courtyard containers, holding soil on banks and slopes and feeding bees and pollinators. It is equally at home in the ground or a large pot on a balcony or courtyard.
Companion planting & design
Fairy Fan-flower sits most comfortably beside plants adapted to low water use and warm-temperate climate. A small cluster gives stronger visual impact than isolated plants scattered through the garden. It combines naturally with other Australian natives in a habitat or water-wise garden.
Buying Fairy Fan-flower
Plant Sale lists Fairy Fan-flower as tube stock, potted plants and advanced specimens. Use the quote builder above to ask about current stock, sizes and pricing.
