SCAEVOLA porocarya

Scaevola makes attractive garden plants and is especially useful in coastal regions where the thick fleshy leaves are able to withstand constant sand and salt spray. A very useful plant for the regeneration of coastal dunes.

An ascending shrub to 1.5m high with blue-white flowers on terminal spike 20cm long occurring from July to October in its native range, in cooler regions later flowering can be expected.

In the natural environment, plants found in protected positions can reach around 1 metres in height, in more exposed positions are much lower growing spreading plants.

Endemic to a small area around Geraldton in Western Australia.

Adaptable to most well-drained soils in an open sunny position. Tolerates full coastal exposure.

Grow Notes:

Although seed can be sown most of the year in many parts of Australia seed is generally best sown in spring or autumn in temperate climates, avoid the coldest and hottest months of the year. The optimum germination temperature for germination is around 18-24°C

Pre-treatment of smoke is recommended for this species.

1. Sow seed on a porous seed raising mix and cover lightly. Do not bury seed deeply.
2. Place in a warm shaded or semi-shaded position to avoid dying out.
3. The growing medium should be well-draining but should remain damp between watering. Keep moist but not too wet as the seed may rot. Do not let the growing mix completely dry out. 
4. Germination should occur in 21-42 days depending on the temperature and conditions. 

Pre-treatment of smoke:
Many members of this genus are responsive to pre-treatment of smoke. Although germination may occur without smoke treatment it has proved to be beneficial in reducing the number of days to germination and increasing germination rates in many species.
Smoke treatments are simple and can be undertaken either by soaking the seed overnight or by applying to the surface after sowing, both provide good results. Smoke treatments are available by clicking here.

General note: Seeds of many natives are dormant and require specific conditions or pre-treatment for germination.
Do not be too hasty to discard seed that does not germinate, seeds will often lay dormant until the conditions are similar to their natural requirements for germination to occur. Containers put to one side will often surprise long after they were discarded.