Hibbertia dentata
toothed guinea flower
Overview
Hibbertia dentata is a twining to scrambling evergreen climber reaching 4-10 feet (1.2-3 m) long, with slender stems that trail along the ground or climb through surrounding vegetation. Leaves are oval to oblong, 1-3 inches (2.5-7.5 cm) long, with widely spaced teeth along the margins and a bronze to purplish tint on new growth. Bright yellow flowers have five broad notched petals and measure 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) across, opening singly along the stems. Flowering is concentrated from late winter through spring. Individual flowers last one to two days, opening in daylight. The plant lacks tendrils and relies on its twining stems for support, so it needs a host or structure to climb. Without support it forms a loose sprawling groundcover. Growth is moderate, reaching full extent within 2-3 years. Stems can become tangled and woody at the base over time.
Native Range
Native to eastern Australia, from Queensland through New South Wales to Victoria. Grows in moist open forest, woodland, and along creek banks, often scrambling over rocks and shrubs in sheltered, partly shaded positions.Suggested Uses
Grown on trellises, fences, and low retaining walls in shaded courtyards and native gardens, spaced 3-5 feet (1-1.5 m) apart. Used as a trailing groundcover under open-canopied shrubs. The twining habit requires support, or it spreads laterally across the ground.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4' - 10'
Width/Spread3' - 6'
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
Flowers from late winter through spring (August to November in its native range), with scattered flowers into summer in shaded, moist sites. Individual flowers open for one to two days in daylight and close at night. Shade and consistent moisture extend the flowering period.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
green with bronze new growthGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-5 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 part shade to filtered light in moist, well-drained soils high in organic matter. Water regularly during establishment and through dry spells, as the foliage wilts in extended drought. Tolerates light frost in sheltered positions. Grows over a trellis, fence, or low shrubs, or trails as a groundcover where no support is present. Few pests are recorded, though scale and mealybug occur on stressed plants. Trim after flowering to control spread and remove tangled stems.Pruning
Cut back after the main flowering flush to remove tangled or woody stems and control spread. Light tip pruning during growth encourages branching and denser cover. Older plants tolerate harder cutting back to renew growth from the base.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
late springsummer
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons