Hibbertias are beautiful Australian plant with cheery yellow flowers, but they aren’t generally very suitable for colder regions that experience frost. However, there are two notable exceptions that thrive in mild frosts like those experienced in Melbourne and Tasmania. Groundswell™ Hibbertia and Straightup™ Hibbertia not only survive but also excel in such environments, offering unique features and tailored landscape solutions for climbing and groundcover applications.
Groundswell™ Hibbertia. https://www.ozbreed.com.au/plant-ranges/native-shrubs-groundcovers/groundswell-hibbertia-scandens-compact-drought-tolerant-ground-cover-with-yellow-flowers/
Straightup™ Hibbertia. https://www.ozbreed.com.au/plant-ranges/native-shrubs-groundcovers/straightup-hibbertia-scandens-resilient-climber-with-distinctive-purple-foliage-and-bright-yellow-flowers/
Why Mild Frost Tolerance Matters
Horticulturists in regions with occasional frost know how challenging it can be to find suitable plants. Most hibbertias cannot tolerate even light frost, making them a risky choice. However, Groundswell™ Hibbertia and Straightup™ Hibbertia have been specifically bred to endure moderate frosts, reliably bringing vibrancy to frosty gardens in climates like Melbourne and Tasmania. Notably, neither variety can handle the hard frosts of colder climates like Canberra, but for milder conditions, these plants are ideal.
Groundcovering Hibbertia scandens ‘HBS01′ PBR Trade Name Groundswell™
Groundswell™ Hibbertia. https://www.ozbreed.com.au/plant-ranges/native-shrubs-groundcovers/groundswell-hibbertia-scandens-compact-drought-tolerant-ground-cover-with-yellow-flowers/
Groundswell™ Hibbertia is the perfect solution for landscapes needing a hardy, low-maintenance ground cover. This compact variety has been designed to create a dense, uniform green blanket, making it stand apart from traditional, more rambling forms of hibbertia.
- Compact Growth:Unlike common hibbertias, Groundswell™ Hibbertia remains low and contained, growing up to 450mm in height and spreading up to 2 metres wide. This tidy growth makes it an excellent choice for anyone looking to establish order and symmetry in their outdoor spaces.
- Erosion Control and Coverage:One of its standout features is its ability to stabilise slopes and prevent erosion. This makes it a reliable option for embankments, coastal dunes, or other erosion-prone areas.
- Ideal for Mass Planting:Groundswell™ Hibbertia thrives in low-maintenance landscapes, making it perfect for roadsides, courtyards, and areas requiring robust, large-scale coverage.
Gardeners will appreciate its versatility, as this tough ground cover performs equally well in full sun or part shade. It’s particularly suited to sandy, well-drained soils and coastal conditions, tolerating salt-laden winds with ease. Proper pruning every 1–5 years is all it takes to maintain its tidy appearance.
Climbing Hibbertia scandens ‘HBS02’ PBR Intended Trade Name Straightup™
Straightup™ Hibbertia. https://www.ozbreed.com.au/plant-ranges/native-shrubs-groundcovers/straightup-hibbertia-scandens-resilient-climber-with-distinctive-purple-foliage-and-bright-yellow-flowers/
For landscapes requiring a climber, Straightup™ Hibbertia is as functional as it is beautiful. Perfect for adding height and structure, this specialist climbing hibbertia transforms plain surfaces into vibrant focal points.
- Climber for Height:With support, Straightup™ Hibbertia reaches up to 2 metres in height, making it a brilliant choice for trellises, fences, or even as a natural privacy screen.
- Winter Beauty:One of its unique aesthetic features is its foliage, which turns a rich purple in winter. This seasonal transformation adds visual interest that is distinctively different from the typical greenery of other
- Adaptable Form:While Straightup™ Hibbertia is a natural climber, a yearly prune can encourage a bushier, more shrub-like growth habit for those wanting a compact, upright plant without a trellis.
Straightup™ Hibbertia thrives in coastal or sandy soils and is resilient against salt-spray and mild frost. Allow it to climb a trellis or grow unsupported as a shrub, pruning annually for a sleek, manicured appearance.
Key Differences Between the Two
Although Groundswell™ Hibbertia and Straightup™ Hibbertia are both resilient, frost-tolerant varieties, they have distinct roles in a garden setting:
- Groundswell™ Hibbertia:Focuses on horizontal use as a reliable ground cover. Its compact, sprawling habit is perfect for erosion control and large-scale green coverage.
- Straightup™ Hibbertia:Specialises in vertical gardening as a climber. Its ability to scale surfaces coupled with its interesting purple winter foliage makes it ideal for adding height and seasonal interest.
By pairing these two varieties, you can enjoy all-angle coverage—whether you’re filling slopes or covering fences.
Care Tips for Success
Both Groundswell™ hibbertia and Straightup™ hibbertia are relatively low-maintenance but require proper care, especially during the establishment phase:
- Initial Watering:Water regularly for 8–13 weeks after planting to ensure a strong root system.
- Mulching:Apply mulch to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature.
- Pruning:Groundswell™ hibbertia generally needs pruning every 1–5 years, depending on your space and preference. Straightup™ hibbertia benefits from annual trimming to maintain neatness or support climbing.
For best results, position both varieties in full sun to part shade and ensure proper drainage in all soil types. Coastal areas with sandy soil are especially ideal.
Conclusion
By choosing Groundswell™ Hibbertia and Straightup™ Hibbertia for your designs, you’re not only tackling the challenges of mild frost but also enhancing your landscape’s form and functionality. These two varieties complement each other beautifully, with one blanketing the ground in neat greenery and the other adding vibrant height and structure.
Whether you’re protecting a sandy slope with dense ground cover or weaving a climber across a fence, these exceptional hibbertias ensure year-round beauty and adaptability in frost-prone regions like Melbourne.