Hibbertia linearis
showy guinea flower
Overview
Hibbertia linearis is an evergreen shrub reaching 12-40 inches (30-100 cm) tall and 12-32 inches (30-80 cm) wide, with slender, erect to spreading stems. The leaves are linear, 0.4-1.6 inches (10-40 mm) long and 0.04-0.1 inch (1-3 mm) wide, with margins rolled under and a smooth to slightly hairy surface. Flowers are yellow, five-petalled, and 0.6-1.2 inches (15-30 mm) across, borne singly at the stem tips, each petal notched and surrounding numerous stamens. Flowering runs from late winter through summer, mainly August to January. The flowers open in sunshine and last about a day each, replaced in succession. After flowering, small dry fruits split to shed seed. Plants are short-lived, often declining after 5-8 years, and reshoot freely after fire. The species grows in heath, woodland, and open forest on sandy, well-drained soils.
Native Range
Native to eastern Australia, occurring in Queensland and New South Wales. Grows in heath, dry sclerophyll forest, and woodland on sandy or sandstone-derived soils, often after fire.Suggested Uses
Used in native and low-water gardens, on banks, and in mixed shrub plantings, spaced 24-36 inches (60-90 cm) apart. Suits informal and coastal gardens where the yellow flowers appear over a long season. Its short life span suits naturalistic rather than permanent plantings.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 3'4"
Width/Spread1' - 2'8"
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
Flowers from late winter through summer, mainly August to January in eastern Australia. Individual flowers last about a day, opening in sunshine, with new flowers following over many weeks. Bloom is heavier in full sun and in the seasons after fire.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 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 sandy, well-drained soils. Established plants tolerate dry spells and light frost but are short-lived on heavy or wet ground. Occasional watering through the first summer supports establishment, after which little is needed. The species is propagated from seed, which germinates better after smoke or heat treatment, or from cuttings. It reshoots from a woody base after fire. Few pests trouble it in cultivation.Pruning
Light pruning after the main flush keeps the shrub compact and prolongs its life. Tip pruning of young plants encourages branching. Hard cutting into bare old wood gives little regrowth.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summerfall
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons