General Description:

Scaevola is a genus of about 130 species which occur mainly in Western Australia but are also found in the eastern states and overseas in New Guinea, Indonesia, Pacific islands, Africa and the Caribbean. They are mostly small, herbaceous plants distinguished by their fan-shaped flowers.

Scaevola humilis is a low-growing, mat-forming perennial herb or sub-shrub, ranging from prostrate to about 30 cm high and up to 1 m across. The leaves are elliptic to narrowly oval shaped, 10–50 mm long with margins that are coarsely toothed or lobed. Leaves are bright to mid-green, sometimes with fine hairs. The flowers have the typical fan shape typical of scaevolas. They are mauve or bluish, about 15-20 mm across and are borne singly or in small clusters in the leaf axils.The flowers occur mainly during spring to early summer but may sometimes be seen at other times of the year.

S.humilis is an attractive species which would be a feature in any native garden.  It is a hardy species in well drained, moist soils in temperate climates. A position in full sun or light shade is usually suitable and the species makes an excellent subject for a hanging basket.  A number of selected forms have been named – eg. ‘Purple Fusion’, ‘Sitting Pretty’.

Propagation from seed is difficult but cuttings of this and other Scaevola species strike very readily.  Named cultivars must only propagated from cuttings as seed may not come true to type.