Hibbertia crinita
long-hair guinea-flower
Overview
Hibbertia crinita is a small evergreen shrub growing 8-24 inches (20-60 cm) tall with a low, much-branched, often spreading form, the stems clothed in long spreading hairs. The leaves are narrow and small, 0.2-0.8 inch (5-20 mm) long, green and hairy, crowded along the branches. Bright yellow five-petalled flowers about 0.6-1 inch (15-25 mm) across open singly at the branch tips through spring and into summer; the petals are notched at the tip and surround a cluster of stamens. Each flower lasts a day or two, with new ones opening in succession. Small dry fruits follow, releasing a few seeds. The shrub grows in heath, woodland, and rocky ground on well-drained sandy and gravelly soils and tolerates extended dryness once established. The hairy foliage and low habit persist year-round.
Native Range
Native to southeastern Australia, mainly in New South Wales. Grows in heath, woodland, and rocky ground on well-drained sandy and gravelly soils.Suggested Uses
Grown in heath gardens, rockeries, and low-water native plantings on sandy soils, spaced about 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) apart. Used as a low flowering shrub among grasses and other heath plants. Suited to dry, open positions in full sun.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height8" - 2'
Width/Spread1' - 2'
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
GreenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 5-9 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in full sun to light shade on free-draining sandy or gravelly soil low in nutrients, at a pH of about 5.0-6.5. Tolerates extended dryness once established and needs little water beyond rainfall in its native climate. Grows poorly in heavy, wet, or fertilized soils, where the roots rot. Tolerates light frost. Few pests affect it. Light trimming after flowering keeps the shrub compact.Pruning
Trim lightly after flowering to keep the shrub dense and compact. Cutting into bare old wood is slow to reshoot. Dead branches can be removed as they appear.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons