Sun Drops Guinea Flower

Sun Drops Guinea Flower (Hibbertia pedunculata 'Sun Drops') is a neat native groundcover about 20cm high that spreads 30cm to 60cm wide and carries daffodil-yellow flowers in spring and summer. Its tiny, glossy, semi-succulent leaves stay tidy all year, and the low stems root where they touch the soil, which helps a planting knit together. It is a low-fuss choice for a sunny rockery, a pot or a mass planting.

Why you'll love it

• Daffodil-yellow flowers. Scalloped yellow blooms cover the plant in spring and summer and show up brightly against the glossy foliage.
• It knits together. The stems root along the ground where they touch the soil, so plants link up and cover bare earth.
• Suppresses weeds. Low, dense growth shades the soil, which makes it a useful groundcover for mass planting.
• A hardy native. It is hardy and able to withstand frost and hot conditions, provided it gets regular water in the heat.
• Many uses. It suits rockeries, patio pots and baskets, and brightens the front of a shrub border.

Where it works best

Mass planting and groundcover. Plant 40cm apart. With a spread of 30cm to 60cm, plants meet within a season or two and shade out most weeds.

Rockeries. It spills softly over stones, and free draining pockets between rocks suit it well.

Pots and baskets. In a patio pot or hanging basket it trails over the edge, giving spring and summer colour in a small space.

Shrub borders. A row at the front of a bed fills the gap beneath taller shrubs with yellow flowers.

Growing Sun Drops Guinea Flower in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun gives the most flowers, though part shade is tolerated. It is hardy and copes with frost and hot conditions, provided it gets regular water in the heat. It does best in the cooler southern states, especially in a rockery or light soil, and dislikes high humidity, so in humid coastal gardens choose an open, airy position or a pot.

Soil. Free draining soil. It does not like wet feet, so avoid low spots where water collects. Light, sandy soils and rockery mixes suit it well.

Water and feed. Mulch and water well while it establishes, then water through extended dry spells. Regular water helps it through hot weather.

Pruning. Prune only to tidy straggly stems, or if you want a more compact shape.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Sun Drops Guinea Flower as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly, and in 140mm pots in packs of 10. Tubes are the economical way to cover a large area, while the 140mm pots give a fuller start for rockeries and containers. Plant out soon after arrival and keep the water up until it is established.

Tubes depend on our grower's supply and are not always available. A sold out tube on this page means none are in stock today, and the notify button emails you the day it is back.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse groundcover plants
• More Australian native plants
• Plants for rockeries
• A guide to ground cover plants

Common questions

How far apart should I plant it as a groundcover?

Plant 40cm apart. The plants spread 30cm to 60cm wide and root along the stems, so they meet and fill in within a season or two.

Does it cope with frost and heat?

Yes. It is hardy and able to withstand frost and hot conditions, though it needs regular water in the heat and dislikes high humidity.

Can I grow it in a pot or basket?

Yes. Use free draining potting mix in a sunny spot, and let the stems trail over the edge. Water more often than you would in the ground.