Mirabilis jalapa aka Four O'clock

Taxonomy

Genus Mirabilis Family Nyctaginaceae Order Caryophyllales Class Magnoliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Mirabilis jalapa, also known as the marvel of Peru or four o'clock flower, is a commonly grown ornamental plant with a range of colors. The name Mirabilis comes from the Latin word for wonderful, while Jalapa refers to the state capital of Veracruz in México where it is cultivated. This plant was highly regarded by the Aztecs for its medicinal and decorative purposes. The flowers of Mirabilis jalapa typically open in the late afternoon or at dusk, hence one of its common names. They emit a strong, sweet fragrance throughout the night and close in the morning, with new flowers blooming the next day. It was introduced to Europe in 1525 and is now found in tropical regions around the world, valued for its ornamental qualities. Mirabilis jalapa is a tuberous perennial often grown as an annual. It has ovate, light green leaves and clusters of crimson flowers that are around 5cm in length. These flowers are lightly scented and bloom during the summer. Additionally, Mirabilis jalapa is a bushy tender perennial that can reach heights of 24-36 inches, featuring fragrant, funnel-shaped flowers with flaring petal-like lobes. The flowers come in various colors such as pink, rose, red, magenta, yellow, and white, sometimes displaying interesting patterns. Hummingbirds are attracted to these flowers. It is important to note that all parts of Mirabilis jalapa are poisonous if ingested. This plant is not hardy and is commonly grown as an annual. In Connecticut, it is even designated as the state flower for children under the name Michaela Petit's Four O'Clocks.

Common names

Four O'clock, Beauty Of The Night, Marvel Of Peru

How to care for Four O'clock

Difficulty

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Four O'clock, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

Water

Four O'clock should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Four O'clock loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Four O'clock requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Four O'clock will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it is common for Four O'clock plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

Four O'clock is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the plant as it grows upwards.

Region of origin

Four O'clock’s native range is S. America - Peru. Naturalized in France and possibly other places in Europe.

More info:
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More Species in Mirabilis Genus

Mirabilis longiflora Sweet Four O'clock

Mirabilis linearis Narrowleaf Four O'clock

Mirabilis expansa Mauka

Mirabilis laevis Desert Wishbone Bush

Mirabilis jalapa Four O'clock

Mirabilis albida Prairie Four O'clock

Mirabilis nyctaginea Umbrella Wort

Mirabilis viscosa Mirabilis Viscosa