Hibbertia, commonly known as Guinea Flowers or Snake Vines, is a large genus of beautiful Australian native plants. They are celebrated for their toughness, low-maintenance nature, and their spectacular display of bright yellow, five-petalled, buttercup-like flowers. These flowers often appear prolifically from late winter right through spring and sometimes into summer.
Caring for Your Hibbertia
- Growing Conditions: Hibbertia is a very hardy plant. It generally thrives in a position with full sun to part shade. It prefers well-draining, slightly acidic soil, but it’s not overly fussy. Many varieties are highly tolerant of coastal conditions, heat, and dry spells once established.
- Watering: Water regularly while the plant is young to ensure it establishes a strong root system. Once settled in, most varieties are quite drought-tolerant, only requiring watering during very long, hot, and dry periods.
- Feeding: Being a native plant, it prefers a low-phosphorus, slow-release fertiliser designed for Australian native plants, applied lightly in spring.
- Pruning: A light prune after the main flowering flush is highly recommended. This helps to maintain a dense, compact shape and prevents it from becoming straggly.
Usage in the Garden
Hibbertia is a wonderfully versatile plant. Low-growing varieties make fantastic groundcovers, great for weed suppression on banks and slopes, or for filling gaps in garden beds. Shrubbier varieties are excellent for rockeries, native gardens, and are tough enough for roadside or verge plantings. Their bright yellow flowers provide a brilliant splash of colour and contrast against darker foliage.
