shrub

Hairy Guinea-Flower

The Story

Plant Bio

Hibbertia vestita, the hairy guinea-flower, is a low-spreading evergreen shrub native to eastern Australia that forms a dense, prostrate mat of trailing branchlets. The small, linear leaves feature recurved margins and a fine covering of minute hairs, providing a textured backdrop for five-petaled, bright yellow flowers that open from late winter through summer.

This species is distinguished by its highly compact, prostrate growth habit and the prominent, simple hairs coating its new stems and foliage. The bright yellow blossoms feature crinkled, bi-lobed petals surrounding a central cluster of up to 43 stamens.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a dense, low-growing carpet of dark green foliage covered in bright yellow, buttercup-like flowers over a long season.

Serves as an excellent, drought-tolerant groundcover or container plant for sandy, coastal, or low-nutrient soils.

Attracts and supports general insect pollinators with its open, accessible yellow blossoms.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

12"

Width

39"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Eastern Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Winter – Summer

In flower about 9 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site with sharp, excellent drainage, such as a sandy loam or a dedicated container mix.
Position the plant in full sun to maximize flower production, though it tolerates partial shade in hotter climates.
Water sparingly once established, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings to prevent root rot.
Apply a low-phosphorus, native-formulated slow-release fertilizer at a fraction of the standard rate during the spring establishment phase.

Pro Tip

Prune lightly immediately after the main flowering flush; cutting back into old, leafless wood prevents the plant from reshooting and will kill the stem.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide sharp, rapid drainage to protect the root system from fungal pathogens.
Grow in containers or pots in regions that experience hard winter freezes.
Trim lightly after the summer flowering period to maintain a compact, bushy shape.

Don't

Do not prune hard into old, bare wood, as the plant lacks dormant buds to regenerate from old stems.
Do not overwater or plant in heavy clay soils that retain moisture.
Do not apply standard high-phosphorus fertilizers, which can damage the root system.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Prune
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Rock gardensContainer specimensCoastal gardensGroundcover

Companion Plants

Westringia fruticosa Anigozanthos flavidus Grevillea

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Hairy Guinea-Flower questions

What zones can Hairy Guinea-Flower grow in?

Hairy Guinea-Flower is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

When does Hairy Guinea-Flower bloom?

Hairy Guinea-Flower typically blooms in winter through summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Hairy Guinea-Flower need full sun?

Hairy Guinea-Flower does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Hairy Guinea-Flower drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Hairy Guinea-Flower handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.