Also known as Guinea Flower · 15 saves
Hibbertia
Hibbertia, the genus most gardeners know as guinea flower. We track 4 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 4 most-saved Hibbertia varieties
4 species of Hibbertia
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Hibbertia in Sow
Save the Hibbertia you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Hibbertia
Whats common across all Hibbertia varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 4 most-grown of them.
The Hibbertia year
- PruneSeptember100% of varieties
Tip-prune young plants to encourage branching, or cut back older plants after flowering to prevent woody bases.
- FertilizeMarch and April75% of varieties
Apply a low-phosphorus slow-release fertilizer sparingly in spring if growth is sluggish.
- Check for PestsJune and July75% of varieties
Inspect foliage for aphids, spider mites, and scale insects during warm summer months.
- Winter PrepNovember50% of varieties
Move container-grown specimens indoors or to a frost-free greenhouse before the first hard freeze.
Do
- Plant in highly permeable, sandy or loamy soils to prevent root rot.
- Tip-prune young plants regularly to encourage dense, bushy branching.
- Apply a low-phosphorus native fertilizer sparingly in spring if growth slows.
- Water regularly during dry periods 🌱
- Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape
Avoid
- Do not plant in heavy clay soils or low-lying areas prone to standing water.
- Do not prune deeply into old, bare wood that lacks green leaves.
- Do not plant in dense, deep shade, which causes leggy growth and prevents flowering.
- Avoid overwatering in winter ❌
What goes wrong with Hibbertia
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Distorted new growth and sticky honeydew on stems. | Apply insecticidal soap or dislodge with a strong jet of water. |
| Spider mites | Stippled, dusty-looking foliage and fine webbing under hot, dry conditions. | Spray with horticultural oil or a miticide. |
| Scale insects | Small, raised bumps on stems and sticky residue on leaves. | Apply horticultural oil during the crawler stage. |
| Root rot | Wilting and yellowing leaves | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Root rot (Phytophthora) | Sudden wilting, foliage dieback, and collar rot in wet soils. | Improve soil drainage and apply an approved fungicide if necessary. |
| Powdery mildew | White, powdery spots on leaves in crowded or shady conditions. | Improve air circulation and apply sulfur-based or bio-fungicides. |
Making more Hibbertia
Semi-hardwood cuttings
- Take four-inch semi-hardwood tip cuttings in spring or summer.
- Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone.
- Insert the cuttings into a well-draining propagation mix of peat and perlite.
- Keep the medium moist and place in a warm, humid environment with indirect light until roots form.
Seed
- Sow seeds in well-draining soil in early spring.
- Keep soil moist and place in indirect sunlight.
- Germination occurs in 2-4 weeks.
Hibbertia questions
How many types of Hibbertia are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 4 distinct Hibbertia varieties. The most popular — ranked by 15 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Hibbertia grow in?
Across its varieties, Hibbertia covers USDA Zones 8–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Hibbertia bloom?
Most Hibbertia varieties bloom in late winter to summer, winter, spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Hibbertia should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.