Four o'clock.

En un coup d'œil

Care level

Easy

Plant type

Perennial

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Indoor light

bright-indirect

Water

Every 3 to 7 days

Mature size

2 to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide

Growth rate

fast

Hardiness

USDA 7 to 10

Bloom time

Summer to fall

Entretien

Plant in well-draining soil and provide consistent moisture, especially during dry spells. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowering. Protect from frost as it is perennial in warmer climates.

Watering

Water regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

Feeding

Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4 weeks during the growing season.

Pruning

Prune back in late winter or early spring to encourage bushier growth and remove dead or damaged stems.

Repotting

Repot every 1-2 years in spring when the plant becomes root-bound.

Soil

Well-draining soil

Soil pH

Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0 to 7.0)

Temperature

10 to 30°C

Humidity

40 to 60%

Drought tolerance

moderate

Lifespan

Tender perennial, often grown as an annual

Fragrance

light

Deer and rabbits

low

Sécurité

People

All parts of the plant, especially the seeds, are considered toxic if ingested.

Pets

Can cause mild stomach upset if ingested by pets.

Children

The seeds are particularly attractive to children and are toxic if ingested, posing a choking hazard and risk of poisoning.

Contact allergens

No significant contact allergens are noted.

Airborne allergens

Pollen may cause respiratory irritation in sensitive individuals.

Edibility

While some sources mention the seeds are edible when cooked, it's best to avoid consuming any part of this plant due to potential toxicity.

Comment l'identifier

• Trumpet-shaped flowers
• Flowers open late afternoon
• Varied flower colors
• Heart-shaped leaves
• Bushy growth habit

Height

0.6 to 0.9m

Spread

0.45 to 0.6m

Leaves

green, deciduous

Flowers

pink, red, yellow, white, multi-colored, 2.5 to 5cm

Fruit

black, Late summer to fall

Problèmes courants

• Spider mites — Tiny pests that feed on plant sap, causing stippling and yellowing of leaves, often found in dry conditions.
• Leaf spot — Fungal or bacterial infections causing spots on leaves, often exacerbated by wet foliage.
• Root rot — Occurs in waterlogged soil, leading to wilting and eventual death of the plant.

La cultiver

Propagation

seed, division

When to plant

spring, summer

Overwintering

In climates where it's perennial, protect the tuberous roots by mulching heavily after the foliage dies back. In colder regions, you can dig up the tubers after the first frost, store them in a cool, dry place like peat moss or sand, and replant them in spring.

In containers

Grows very well in containers, needing at least a 12-inch pot to accommodate its root system and allow for good drainage.

Plant Four o'clock flowers where their evening fragrance can be enjoyed, and pair them with plants that bloom throughout the day for continuous garden interest.

Bonnes associations

• Zinnia — Zinnias appreciate similar sunny conditions and well-drained soil, creating a vibrant, colorful display together.
• Marigold — Marigolds offer a contrasting texture and color, and their reputed pest-repelling qualities can benefit the Four o'clock flower.
• Cosmos — Cosmos share a similar airy growth habit and love full sun, making them a lovely companion for a cottage garden feel.

À éloigner de

• Waterlogged soil — This plant cannot tolerate constantly wet feet and is prone to root rot if drainage is poor.
• Heavy shade — While it can tolerate some shade, deep shade will significantly reduce its flowering.

Espèces similaires

• Morning Glory — Both are known for opening their flowers at specific times of day (morning vs. afternoon/evening) and are popular garden annuals.
• Petunia — Petunias offer a wide range of colors and bloom profusely in sunny locations, similar to Mirabilis jalapa.

Science

Family

Nyctaginaceae

Genus

Mirabilis

Order

Caryophyllales

Class

Magnoliopsida

Native range

South America

Conservation

Not of conservation concern.

It thrives in well-drained soils and can adapt to various light conditions, often naturalizing in disturbed areas.

Value to wildlife

nectar source

Pollinators

moths, hummingbirds

Uses

Ornamental, Cut flowers

Taxonomie vérifiée avec le GBIF.

Ce qu'on demande souvent

When do the flowers open?

The flowers typically open in the late afternoon or early evening and close by morning.

How often should I water it?

Water regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during dry periods.

Does it need full sun?

Yes, it thrives in full sun to partial shade for the best flowering.

Can I grow it in a pot?

Yes, it grows well in containers, provided they offer good drainage.

Is it perennial or annual?

It's often grown as an annual in cooler climates but can be a tender perennial in warmer regions.

D'où vient le nom

Mirabilis jalapa is commonly known as the Four o'clock flower because its blooms open in the late afternoon. The scientific name, Mirabilis, means 'wonderful' in Latin, and jalapa refers to Xalapa, Mexico, from where it was first described.

Bon à savoir

• The flowers can come in multiple colors on the same plant, a phenomenon called 'chimera'.
• Its name, Mirabilis jalapa, translates to 'wonderful' and 'from Xalapa', a city in Mexico.
• It's a popular plant for attracting moths, which are important nocturnal pollinators.
• The plant readily self-seeds, sometimes becoming quite prolific.