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Hibbertia vestita

hairy guinea-flower

Dilleniaceae Australia

Attracts Pollinators Drought Tolerant Container Friendly

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterLow · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 9–11

Overview

Hibbertia vestita is an evergreen subshrub reaching 6-24 inches (15-60 cm) tall and spreading 12-40 inches (30-100 cm) wide, with slender stems that are prostrate to low-spreading. Stems, leaves, and flower stalks are covered in soft spreading hairs, giving the plant a grey-green, hairy texture. Leaves are narrow to oblong, 0.2-0.8 inch (5-20 mm) long, with margins rolled under and a hairy surface. Flowers are yellow, five-petalled, 0.4-0.8 inch (10-20 mm) across, sitting close to the stems, each with numerous stamens surrounding the central ovaries. Flowering runs from late winter through spring, mainly August to November. The petals are broad and slightly notched. Plants form a low, spreading patch that follows the contours of the ground. Small dry fruits follow the flowers and split to shed seed. The species grows on sandy and rocky soils in heath, woodland, and coastal scrub. It is shorter-lived on heavy or wet soils. Growth is moderate once established.

Native Range

Native to southeastern Australia, occurring in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, and Tasmania. Grows in heath, dry woodland, and coastal scrub on sandy or rocky, well-drained soils.

Suggested Uses

Used as a low groundcover in native and low-water gardens, on banks, and in rockeries, spaced 16-24 inches (40-60 cm) apart. Suits informal and coastal plantings where its spreading habit fills gaps between larger shrubs.

How to Identify

Recognized by low, spreading stems clothed in soft spreading hairs and narrow leaves 0.2-0.8 inch (5-20 mm) long with down-rolled margins. Yellow five-petalled flowers 0.4-0.8 inch (10-20 mm) across sit close to the stems. The dense hairy covering separates it from the spiny, near-hairless Hibbertia exutiacies.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height6" - 2'

Width/Spread1' - 3'4"

Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~12 weeks

Winter Spring

Flowers from late winter through spring, mainly August to November in southeastern Australia. Scattered flowers can appear into early summer. Bloom is heavier after a wet winter.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

grey-green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

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

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

sand rocky loam

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

2-3 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Grows in full sun to part shade on well-drained sandy or rocky soils. Established plants tolerate dry periods and light frost. Heavy clay and waterlogged ground shorten the plant life span. Occasional watering through the first summer aids establishment, after which rainfall is usually sufficient. Propagation is from seed or semi-hardwood cuttings. Few pests affect the plant in cultivation.

Pruning

Light pruning after flowering keeps growth dense and tidy. The plant tolerates being cut back lightly but responds poorly to hard pruning into bare stems. Trimming spent flower shoots can prompt a lighter second flush.

Pruning Schedule

late springsummer

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 3 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Unknown