Snake Vine Hibbertia scandens
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as snake vine is a vibrant evergreen that boasts glossy, dark green leaves which are oval in shape and come to a slight point at the tips. The foliage tends to be dense, creating lush screens or cascading over surfaces if given the chance to climb. Its most striking feature is the bright yellow flowers it produces, which are usually large and display five petals that sometimes overlap. The center of the flower is often adorned with a cluster of long stamens that add an extra touch of elegance. These vivid blooms can make a bold statement in any garden and might attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. The snake vine displays a twining habit, using its flexible stems to coil around supports, which allows it to climb structures or spread along the ground as a rambling ground cover.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Dilleniaceae
Synonyms
Climbing Guinea Flower, Snake Vine, Golden Guinea Vine, Climbing Hibbertia, Gold Vine
Common names
Hibbertia scandens var. scandens, Hibbertia volubilis, Dillenia volubilis.
ToxicityTo humans
Snake Vine, also known as Hibbertia scandens, is not commonly known to be toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases or conspicuous symptoms associated with its ingestion. However, as with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities could potentially cause a reaction, and it is generally not advisable to ingest parts of plants that are not recognized as food items without proper knowledge of their effects.
To pets
Snake Vine, also referred to as Hibbertia scandens, does not have a well-documented history of toxicity to pets such as cats or dogs. There are no specific symptoms of poisoning known for this plant in relation to pets. However, it is always prudent to prevent pets from eating plants that are not meant for consumption, as individual reactions can vary, and some pets may experience gastrointestinal upset or other symptoms if they ingest plant material.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
6 feet (1.8 meters)
Spread
6 feet (1.8 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
Australia
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Wildlife: Hibbertia scandens (Snake Vine) provides a habitat and food source for various species of birds and insects.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its bright yellow flowers and glossy green foliage, Snake Vine adds visual interest to gardens and landscapes.
- Erosion Control: The dense mat of foliage and twining growth habit help stabilize soil and prevent erosion.
- Low Maintenance: Snake Vine is known for being hardy and requiring minimal care once established, making it a great choice for low-maintenance gardens.
- Drought Tolerance: Its ability to withstand periods of drought makes it suitable for xeriscaping and dry climate gardening.
- Fast Growing: The plant's fast growth rate makes it an excellent choice for quickly covering fences, trellises, or other structures.
- Habitat Restoration: Snake Vine is often used in native plant landscaping and habitat restoration projects to promote biodiversity.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Hibbertia scandens, commonly known as Snake Vine, can be used in weaving and fiber arts, as its long, flexible stems can be woven into baskets or mats.
- Its vibrant yellow flowers can be used as a natural dye, imparting a range of yellow hues to fabrics and materials.
- Snake Vine can serve as a groundcover in gardens, providing erosion control on sloping land and suppressing weed growth.
- The plant is sometimes used in educational settings, such as schools and workshops, to teach about native Australian flora and plant reproduction.
- Given its dense foliage, Hibbertia scandens is useful for creating privacy screens in gardens and on balconies.
- The plant can be used in themed garden design, such as creating an all-Australian native garden, showcasing local biodiversity.
- As a climbing plant, Snake Vine can be trained to grow over arbors or trellises, providing shade and visual interest.
- Hibbertia scandens can be used in coastal landscaping, as it is tolerant to sea spray and sandy soils, helping to stabilize dunes.
- It can also be part of a habitat garden designed to attract and support wildlife, such as insect pollinators and small birds.
- The dense mat of foliage that Snake Vine can create may be used as a living mulch, helping to retain soil moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiSnake vine is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilitySnake vine is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Climbing Nature: Represents growth, ambition, and the desire to reach new heights due to Hibbertia scandens' climbing habit.
- Sunshine Yellow: The bright yellow flowers symbolize happiness, positivity, and the energy of the sun, which can bring cheerfulness to one's life.
- Resilience: As an evergreen plant, it symbolizes durability and the ability to endure challenges, reflecting its capacity to stay green year-round.
- Adaptability: The plant's ability to thrive in various conditions stands for flexibility and the skill to adapt to different life situations.
WaterThe Snake Vine should be watered when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch, which generally means watering approximately once a week. The amount of water required can vary due to environmental factors, but aim to use around 16 ounces of water each time for a medium-sized pot. During its growth season in spring and summer, you may increase the frequency slightly. In winter, reduce watering to every other week or when the soil is noticeably dry. Be cautious to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
LightThe Snake Vine thrives best in bright, indirect sunlight. Positioning it in a spot where it can receive plenty of light without being exposed to the harsh afternoon sun is optimal. An east or west-facing window with some light shading would be an ideal location for this plant.
TemperatureThe Snake Vine prefers a warm climate with temperatures ranging between 50 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate short periods of cooler temperatures, but prolonged exposure to temperatures below 50 degrees can harm the plant. The ideal temperature for robust growth is within 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningPrune the Snake Vine to maintain its shape and encourage denser growth; this is best done in the spring or after the flowering period. Pruning can be done every few months or as needed when the plant appears leggy or overgrown. Use clean, sharp pruning shears to remove any dead or damaged stems, as well as to trim back any excessively long vines.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFor Snake Vine, a well-draining soil mix is essential; mix equal parts of loam, sand, and peat to achieve this. The ideal pH for Snake Vine should be slightly acidic to neutral, around 5.5 to 7.0.
RepottingSnake Vine should be repotted every two to three years during springtime to prevent it from becoming root-bound and to replenish nutrient-rich soil.
Humidity & MistingSnake Vine thrives best in moderate to high humidity levels, aiming for around 50-70%.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Snake Vine in bright, indirect light and ensure high humidity.
Outdoor
In partial shade, ensure well-draining soil and shelter from wind.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
Life cycleThe life of the Snake Vine (Hibbertia scandens) begins with seed germination, which is stimulated by warm temperatures and moisture in the soil. Once germinated, the seedling emerges and establishes its root system while beginning to grow its first leaves for photosynthesis. As the plant matures, it develops a woody stem and climbs or sprawls with the help of tendrils, becoming a vigorous vine. The Snake Vine produces bright yellow flowers predominantly in spring and summer, which are then pollinated by insects, leading to the development of fruit. Once the fruit matures, it releases seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. The plant can also spread vegetatively through layering, where stems touching the ground develop roots and grow into new individuals.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The most popular method for propagating Hibbertia scandens, commonly known as Snake Vine, is through stem cuttings. This approach is typically carried out in late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate, a gardener would cut a healthy, non-flowering shoot that is about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long, removing the lower leaves to expose the nodes. This cutting is then dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development and planted in a well-draining potting mix. The cutting should be kept in a warm, humid environment out of direct sunlight until roots have established, which usually takes a few weeks. Regular misting can help maintain the necessary humidity. Once the cutting has rooted, it can be transplanted into the garden or a larger pot.