SCAEVOLA. Fan flower. Tropical and subtropical regions, mostly Australia. This is an interesting, often highly ornamental group of herbaceous perennials and shrubs, most of them unfortunately too tender for our climates. They are variable in size, habit and foliage. Their most distinctive feature is the highly irregular flowers, split above and spread out into a broad fan. The following Australians are hardy enough at least for our coastal areas, thriving in sun or light shade, with well drained soil and moderate watering.
‘Mauve Clusters’. A semishrubby perennial making dense, lush carpets. Both the younger stems and the roundish, sharply toothed 1" leaves are bright green and shiny. In spring and fall the plant is lavishly decorated with small lavender-mauve blossoms, nestling in clusters among the leaves. An attractive ground cover. ‘Alba’ is a similar selection with smaller pure white flowers. Hardy to around 20oF.