Scaveola in Hanging Baskets
 Scaevola
is a great performer in hanging baskets.
This spreading annual produces hundreds of small flower shaped like
old-fashioned, opened fans. Hence why it is also commonly called the Fan
Flower.
This Australian Native can tolerate windy and dry conditions more
than most annual – so it is ideal in hanging baskets and hanging
planters.
The blooms last for a very long time so check your plants once and a
while a snip off any of the dried branches. There have been new
varieties introduced of recent time 'New Wonder' is one of these. This
Scaveloa boasts an even greater profusion of large, richly colored blue
blossoms making it ideal for pots, window boxes, hanging baskets, or the
garden. Growing Scaveloa / Fan Flowers in Hanging
Baskets
These “tough” Australian outback plants are admired for their
fortitude so are top candidates for hanging baskets in full sun and or
hot, windy spots.
For great impact, select 3 - 5 small plants for your 14” hanging basket
or planter. Filled it with a good potting soil – ideally one with a
slow release fertilizer included. If your potting mix does not have it
in - ensure you some in at time of planting. Firm the soil around each
plant to eliminate air pockets.
Ensure you do not
overfill your hanging basket with soil – for more on this click here.
Water the newly planted container generously, and then put it in partial
shade for a few days to allow it to adjust to its new home.
After that brief transition period, shift the basket to its permanent
location in full sun.
For the first 2-3 weeks keep your baskets in a sunny sheltered spot
away from all day searing sun and wind. Keep your hanging baskets well
watered for these first few weeks - letting the soil just dry out
between watering. This will give your plants time to establish.
Mixed Plantings
In hanging baskets Scaveloa performs well on its own or it mixes very
well other annuals – try it mixed together with softer hues of pink
verbena.
Another gardener commented: "I purchased Whirlwind Blue
Scaevola to complement some yellow strawflowers in my hanging baskets.
They are awesome. They are totally taking off, they are huge and always
blooming. They are absolutely gorgeous and have survived heat, full
Kansas sun all day long and several days of severe high winds”
More on Strawflowers in
Hanging Baskets Watering & Feeding Your Hanging
Basket
Hanging baskets of Scaveloa require daily watering and a weekly
application of balanced, soluble fertilizer applied at half strength,
according to package directions. Despite claims of drought tolerance –
and yes they will thrive in hot sun and wind – your plants will stress
and wither if left to dry out for even a couple of days.
NEW VARIETIES
 Proven
Winners have introduced several great new varieties of Fan Flowers.
These include:
* New Wonder®Fan Flower Scaevola aemula – blue
* Whirlwind®WhiteFan Flower Scaevola hybrid – white
* Whirlwind®Blue Fan Flower Scaevola hybrid – more purple than a true
blue
Proven Winners new releases have flower fans that are larger and color’s
that are brighter.
More on Proven Winners
http://www.provenwinners.com/
Another new variety is “Zig Zag” a
bi-colored scaveloa as see in this photo above.
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