Pink Fan Flower (Scaevola aemula) is a compact native groundcover, 35 to 50cm high and 70 to 80cm wide, with large pale pink, fan shaped flowers from spring through summer. It establishes quickly without taking over the garden. It is a large flowered pink form of the popular purple fan flower, and a softer choice than the usual.
Why you'll love it
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Pale pink fan flowers. A gentle, large flowered pink that suits cottage, native and modern gardens alike.
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Native and tough. As an Australian native it tolerates dry conditions once it is established.
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Quick but well behaved. It covers ground fast, then stops at 70 to 80cm wide rather than invading its neighbours.
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Many uses. It works as a groundcover, a rockery plant, a slope plant and a hanging basket plant.
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Easy to tidy. Prune as required to maintain tidy growth and it responds with fresh shoots.
Where it works best
Groundcover for sunny beds. Plant 60cm apart for a mass of pink. The plants meet within a season or two and cover the soil.
Slopes and rockeries. The spreading stems soften rock edges and help clothe a sunny bank.
Hanging baskets. In a sunny position a basket of pink fan flower flowers generously and spills over the sides.
Growing Pink Fan Flower in Australia
Position and climate. Full sun gives the most flowers. It suits subtropical, warm temperate and Mediterranean gardens, and it needs protection from frost, especially while it is young.
Soil. Well drained soil is the main requirement. On heavy clay plant on a mound, in a raised bed or in a pot.
Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly until established, usually around 12 weeks. After that it tolerates dry conditions, although a drink in hot weather keeps the flowers coming.
Pruning. Prune as required to maintain tidy growth. A trim after the main flush keeps the mat dense.
What to expect when it arrives
We sell Pink Fan Flower as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. Tube stock comes from our grower and is not always available. When the grower has none, the tube shows as sold out on this page, and the notify button emails you the day it is back.
Plants travel upright and settle fast. Plant out soon after delivery, water in well and mulch the soil. Tubes fill out quickly in warm weather, so a bed planted in spring is usually well covered by the end of summer.
Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.
Plant care guides and related reading
Common questions
Does Pink Fan Flower need full sun?
Yes, full sun gives the most flowers. In shade it flowers less and grows more loosely.
Is it frost tender?
It needs protection from frost. Give young plants a sheltered position and mulch in winter in cooler districts.
How far apart should I plant it?
About 60cm apart for a groundcover. It spreads to 70 to 80cm wide, so the plants meet within a season or two.