Plant of the Weekk: Fan flower Whirlwind Blue

Light: Full Sun

Height: 6 to 12 inches

Spread: 9 to 15 inches

USDA Hardiness Zones: 10 and 11

Origin: Australia

The Whirlwind Blue fan flower (Scaevola aemula ‘Whirlwind Blue’) is a resilient summer annual that is relatively easy to grow.

The shiny, dark-green foliage is small and ovate, with irregularly spaced barbs on the leaf margin.

The ‘Whirlwind Blue’ variety has periwinkle, almost purple, flowers; other varieties have blooms in pink or white.

The dainty, fan-shaped flowers grow along the stem. This plant grows mostly horizontally and is pollinated by bees.

The fan flower is tolerant to heat and doesn’t need deadheading, making ideal for hanging baskets or as a spillover in window boxes or other container gardens with intense sun exposure.

See Whirlwind Blue fan flower at the Grove Rooftop Garden at Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.

— Barbara Arnold

Franklin Park Conservatory