Q: Is this a perennial or an annual?
A: It is a tender perennial, reliably hardy only in USDA zones 10-11 . In most of North America, it is grown as a spectacular, long-blooming annual for the spring-to-fall season. It will not survive freezing winter temperatures.

Q: How do I keep it blooming so profusely all season?
A: 'Blue Fan' is naturally free-flowering and requires very little care. Because it is self-cleaning, you don't need to deadhead it . For the best performance, plant it in full sun and provide moderate, consistent watering. An occasional application of a balanced fertilizer during the growing season will help ensure the most abundant flower display .

Q: How much sun does it need for the best flower display?
A: For the most abundant and vibrant blooms, plant 'Blue Fan' in full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily) . It will tolerate light afternoon shade, especially in very hot climates, but flowering may be reduced.

Q: Can it be used in containers or hanging baskets?
A: Absolutely. This is one of the best plants for hanging baskets and containers. Its trailing, mounding habit makes it a perfect "spiller" in the 'spiller-thriller-filler' container combination, where its stems will gracefully cascade over the sides, providing a waterfall of soft blue flowers all summer long .

Q: Is it deer resistant?
A: Fan flowers are generally not a preferred food source for deer, though this is not a primary resistance trait. They are much tougher and more resilient to garden pests than many flowering annuals.