With its delicate , devotee - shaped flower and evergreen leaf , scaevola ( Scaevola aemula ) adds year - round of drinks color and texture to recurrent bed and hang field goal . It is an adaptable and humble - maintenance plant , require little more than mundane feeding and watering once established . However , scaevola will possess a healthier , more attractive appearance and longer lifespan if grown where its needs are met .
Climate Considerations
Scaevola grows well within U.S. Department of Agriculture plant life hardiness zones 9 to 11 , although its hardiness varies within that image . It will tolerate light Robert Frost , but may die back with the moderate rime and brief , below - freezing temperatures vulgar in USDA hardiness zone 9 . gardener in nerveless climates often grow scaevola as an annual because of its remarkably fast growth rate . However , it can also be grown as a tender perennial in cooler areas by potting it up in autumn and overwinter it indoors .
Growing Conditions
Scaevola grow in Australia , where it has adapted to grow in arid coastal areas . It tolerates salt spray , drought and loose , sandy soil with ease , but will possess a more lush , suitable appearance if grow under less harsh conditions . get scaevola 12 inches apart in a bed with fast - draining , pretty prolific soil , or grow several plants in a 10 - column inch container filled with standard potting soil . remedy arenaceous soil with a 4 - inch layer of compost to improve its wet retention , and meliorate very productive , heavy filth with a 4 - in layer of George Sand to meliorate its drainage . Full sun picture is best in mild coastal areas where extreme temperature are rare , but they should be put up with mottled nicety in red-hot , dry climates . In desert climates , shield scaevola from intense late good afternoon sun to prevent scalding .
Moisture Requirements
Mature scaevola tolerates moderate drought , but it needs unconstipated watering during its first time of year in the garden to set up its ascendant . Garden - grown scaevola needs an inch of water every week from spring until fall , and each plant life should be surrounded with a 2 - inch level of shredded bark mulch to help conserve stain wet . Potted scaevola needs more frequent pee due to the restricted soil ; they should be checked at least twice weekly and watered whenever the dirt is dry on the surface . When lacrimation , saturate the soil until the excess water drain from the bottom of the pot . head off overwatering ; consistently pixilated dirt induce otherwise healthy scaevola plants to lose vigor and it may cause premature death .
Fertilizer Tips
Despite its tolerance for poor soil , scaevola perform best when routinely fertilized throughout the uprise time of year . General aim , 15 - 15 - 15 ratio fertilizer works well for most scaevola flora , although those with lusterless bloom may benefit from a 7 - 9 - 5 ratio fertiliser specifically designed to promote flower production . Mix the fertilizer at a pace of 1/2 teaspoon per gallon of water . Apply it once a week from spring until early autumn . Root burn can take place when fertiliser is applied to juiceless land , especially if it is arenaceous or porous , so always go for fertiliser after watering to protect the scaevola ’s root .
Winter Care
Within its best-loved USDA hardiness geographical zone mountain chain , scaevola will survive the winter outdoors with no especial preparation or fear . In cold climates , scaevola will die back with the first hard frost and must be pot up and overwintered indoors to maintain it as a perennial . Dig up scaevola in autumn a few week before the first anticipated frost and pot it in a clay mountain with multiple drain holes at the base . Move it indoors to a cheery , Confederacy - face room where temperatures quell above 40 degree Fahrenheit . weewee sparingly while overwintering , providing just enough moisture to keep the leafage from wilting . In leap , transplant the scaevola back into its seam after the grease warms and all frost peril has passed .
References
Related
