Fan flower Pictures

Fan Flower: A Unique and Beautiful Addition to Your Garden

If you're looking for a flower that's both unique and beautiful, then the fan flower (Scaevola aemula) is the perfect choice. This plant is native to Australia and is known for its distinctive fan-shaped flowers that come in a range of colors, including pink, white, and blue. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the fan flower, including its history, characteristics, and care requirements.

History of the Fan Flower

The fan flower was first discovered in Australia in the late 1700s by the botanist Sir Joseph Banks. It was originally classified as Lobelia aemula, but was later reclassified as Scaevola aemula. The name "scaevola" comes from the Latin word for "left-handed," which refers to the asymmetrical shape of the flowers.

Characteristics of the Fan Flower

The fan flower is a low-growing perennial that typically reaches a height of 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) and a spread of 12-18 inches (30-45 cm). It has small, dark green leaves that are slightly succulent and grow in a rosette pattern. The flowers are the main attraction of this plant and can be up to 2 inches (5 cm) across. They are fan-shaped and have a distinctive asymmetrical shape, with one side of the flower being larger than the other. The flowers bloom from spring to fall and come in a range of colors, including pink, white, and blue.

Types of Fan Flowers

There are several different varieties of fan flower, each with its own unique characteristics. Here are a few of the most popular types: - Scaevola aemula 'Blue Fan': This variety has bright blue flowers and is one of the most popular types of fan flower. It's a great choice for adding a pop of color to your garden. - Scaevola aemula 'Pink Fan': This variety has delicate pink flowers and is a great choice for adding a feminine touch to your garden. - Scaevola aemula 'White Fan': This variety has pure white flowers and is a great choice for adding a classic, elegant touch to your garden.

Growing Conditions for Fan Flowers

Fan flowers are relatively easy to grow and can be grown in a range of conditions. Here are the ideal growing conditions for fan flowers: - Soil: Fan flowers prefer well-draining soil that's rich in organic matter. They can tolerate a range of soil types, but do best in soil that's slightly acidic. - Sun: Fan flowers need plenty of sunlight to thrive. They do best in full sun or partial shade. - Water: Fan flowers prefer to be kept moist but not wet. Water them regularly, especially during dry spells. - Fertilizer: Fan flowers don't require a lot of fertilizer, but you can give them a boost by fertilizing them once a month during the growing season.

Care Requirements for Fan Flowers

Fan flowers are relatively low-maintenance plants, but there are a few things you can do to keep them healthy and thriving. Here are some care requirements for fan flowers: - Deadheading: To encourage continuous blooming, it's a good idea to deadhead your fan flowers regularly. This means removing the spent flowers before they have a chance to go to seed. - Pruning: Fan flowers don't require a lot of pruning, but you can trim them back after they've finished blooming to keep them looking neat and tidy. - Propagation: Fan flowers can be propagated from stem cuttings or by dividing the root ball. To propagate by stem cuttings, simply take a cutting from the plant and place it in water until it roots. Once it has roots, you can transplant it into soil. To propagate by dividing the root ball, simply dig up the plant and divide the root ball into smaller sections.

Uses for Fan Flowers

Fan flowers are a versatile plant that can be used in a variety of ways. Here are a few ideas for how to use fan flowers in your garden: - Borders: Fan flowers make a great border plant and can be used to edge garden beds or walkways. - Containers: Fan flowers do well in containers and can be used to add a pop of color to your patio or balcony. - Hanging baskets: Fan flowers are perfect for hanging baskets and will spill over the sides, creating a beautiful cascade of flowers. - Mixed beds: Fan flowers can be mixed with other low-growing plants to create a colorful and varied garden bed.

Conclusion

The fan flower is a unique and beautiful addition to any garden. With its distinctive fan-shaped flowers and range of colors, it's sure to be a showstopper. Whether you're looking to add a pop of color to your garden or create a beautiful hanging basket, the fan flower is a great choice. With the right growing conditions and care, this plant will thrive and bring joy to your garden for years to come.