About Hibbertia stellaris Endl.
Hibbertia stellaris Endl. is a small shrub that grows 30 to 70 centimetres high and 30 to 60 centimetres across. Its stems often have a red tinge. The leaves are linear to narrow-spathulate, or spoon-shaped, and measure 1.5 to 2.5 centimetres long and 0.5 to 2.5 millimetres wide. Its orange flowers bloom from August to February; populations in the more northern parts of the species' range produce more yellowish flowers. This species is found across a wide area of Western Australia and is not classified as threatened. Hibbertia stellaris is a highly regarded horticultural plant, valued for its brilliant orange flowers, and has been grown in cultivation for decades. However, it is generally short-lived in cultivation, so it is most convenient to treat it as an annual. It usually dies within 18 months of being planted in the ground, though it lives longer when grown in containers such as pots or hanging baskets. It can tolerate moderate frosts. Plants grown in full sun flower more profusely than those grown in part shade, but full-sun plants tend to be shorter-lived. This species is easily propagated by cuttings taken in spring after flowering finishes. It grows best in open, acidic sandy soil that has consistent access to underlying moisture, such as when placed in a saucer of water, or ideally on a capillary mat.
