Scaevola albida
white fanflower
Overview
Scaevola albida is a low, spreading evergreen perennial reaching 4-12 inches (10-30 cm) tall and spreading 16-40 inches (40-100 cm) wide, forming a mat of trailing to ascending stems. Leaves are oblong to spoon-shaped, 0.4-1.6 inches (1-4 cm) long, green, with toothed or smooth margins. Fan-shaped flowers about 0.5-0.8 inch (1.2-2 cm) across are held along the stems, each with five lobes all turned to one side of the flower, in white through pale blue to mauve. Flowering occurs over a long period from spring into autumn. The flowers are followed by small fleshy fruit. Growth is moderate to fast, and the plant spreads to form a groundcover within one to two seasons. It grows in sandy and well-drained soils and tolerates coastal exposure but is short-lived, often persisting 3-5 years. It declines in heavy, wet ground.
Native Range
Native to southeastern Australia, in Victoria, New South Wales, Tasmania, and South Australia. Grows in open forest, heath, grassland, and coastal scrub on sandy and loamy well-drained soils, from near sea level to about 3,300 feet (1,000 m).Suggested Uses
Used as a groundcover, edging, and container spiller in native, coastal, and rockery plantings, spaced 16-24 inches (40-60 cm) apart. Suited to sandy banks, low borders, and hanging baskets where trailing stems can spread. Grows in containers of at least 2 gallons (8 L) with free-draining mix.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4" - 1'
Width/Spread1'4" - 3'4"
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
white to pale blue or mauveFoliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 5-9 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in full sun to light shade in sandy or loamy, well-drained soil. Water during establishment and in dry spells; established plants tolerate short drought and coastal exposure. It declines in heavy, wet ground, where stems rot. Light trimming through the growing season keeps the mat dense and extends flowering. Plants are short-lived, often replaced after 3-5 years. Few pests affect it.Pruning
Trim lightly through spring and summer to keep the mat dense and prolong flowering. Cut back straggly stems by up to one-third after the main flush; the plant reshoots from leafy growth. Worn plants are usually replaced rather than renovated.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summer
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons