Hibbertia Scandens

Snake Vine / Guinea Flower / Golden Guinea Vine / Twining Guinea Flower

Botanical Name: Hibbertia scandens
Family: Dilleniaceae
Origin: Australia (eastern coastal)
Plant Type: Evergreen climber & groundcover

Overview

Hibbertia scandens (Snake Vine/Guinea Flower) is a sunshine-bright native for South Australian gardens. Glossy mid-green foliage scrambles or climbs with support, and big buttercup-yellow blooms appear for months—mainly spring–summer with spot flowers the rest of the year. Tough, salt-tolerant and low-care, it’s ideal on fences, banks and coastal plantings.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 2–4 m H × 1.5–3 m W on support (as a groundcover: 0.5–1 m H × 2–4 m W)
• Growth Rate: 30-60 cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Glossy mid-green leaves; lush, scrambling habit
• Flowers: Large bright yellow, lightly fragrant, 5-petalled blooms; heaviest spring–summer
  
• Seasonal Interest: Long flowering window with year-round green coverage
• Wildlife Value: Attracts bees and other pollinators
• Tolerance: Drought-tolerant (once established), heat-tolerant, wind-tolerant, second-line coastal-tolerant; light frost (protect from hard frost)
• Planting Density: Fence/trellis: 1 plant per 1–2 m of run; as groundcover: 1 per 1–1.5 m²
• Pet Friendly: Non-toxic to cats & dogs, discourage chewing as can cause upset tummies

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun to part shade (more flowers in sun)
• Soil: Well-drained sandy or loam; tolerates light clay with drainage
• Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8–12 weeks. Established: deep soak every 10–14 days in summer; monthly in winter if dry
• Maintenance: Trim after main flowering to shape and encourage new growth; mulch in spring; light feed in early spring
• Lifespan: 15-25 years
• Climate Zones: Suited to temperate and Mediterranean SA gardens, including coastal areas
• Soil pH: Neutral (tolerates Acid)

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Train along fences, wires or an arbor for quick, cheerful coverage
• Spill over retaining walls, embankments and large pots for a cascading effect
• Weave through native/coastal plantings to add months of bold yellow colour

Why You Will Love It

A near-bulletproof native with showy, long-season yellow flowers and glossy foliage. Snake Vine delivers fast coverage, coastal toughness and pollinator-friendly colour with minimal upkeep—perfect for brightening walls, banks and outdoor entertaining areas.