Four o'clocks, Marvel of Peru
| When to Plant: | |
| Spring |
| Blooms: | |
| Summer to Fall |
| Light Requirements: | |
| Full Sun to Partial Shade |
| Plant Height: | ||
| 20-48" | ||
| Hardiness Zones: | |
| Grow as Perennial in zones 7-11. Grow as Annual elsewhere. Find Your Zone |
| Planting Depth: | |
| 3-4" |
| Plant Spacing: | |
| 18-24" |
| Plant Type: | |
| Tuberous Root |
Native to Peru, Mirabilis jalapa is a bushy perennial that produces fragrant, brightly colored, funnel-shaped flowers summer to frost in late afternoon - usually around four o'clock! Uniquely different flower colors can appear on a single stem in some varieties.
Four O'Clocks are pollinator magnets for your summer garden. Pollinators are a vital part of life on planet Earth since they pollinate most flowering plants for them to reproduce. Pollinators do this by transferring pollen from bloom to bloom. Pollinators have been in decline in recent years due to habitat loss and disease. Mirabilis provides shelter and food for native pollinators to thrive and survive. It is suprisingly easy and lots of fun for you and your family to attract them to your garden to provide spectacular entertainment! Please help to sustain the pollinator populations by planting asclepias and other pollinator magnets.
Plant Mirabilis jalapa outdoors in spring after all danger of frost has passed in a full sun to partially shaded location.
The ideal soil is rich and porous and drains well, yet still holds enough water for the roots. If your soil is heavy clay and drains slowly, or very sandy and does not hold water, add organic soil amendments like peat moss or ground bark. Spread a 3-4 inch layer of soil amendment if needed and incorporate into the soil to a depth of 10 inches.
Plant roots 2-3" deep and 12-24" apart depending on type. Cover with soil. Water thoroughly at planting. While actively growing, water frequently and thoroughly so that water will reach roots. Mulch to keep the soil cool and to prevent the soil from drying out.
Fertilize during growing period.
Remove foliage after it has completely yellowed and died back.
Mirabilis jalapa benefit from over wintering in non hardy zones since the plants tend to flower more from established roots.
Plant with other pollinator-loving bulbs and perennials to create an oasis for bees, butterflies and hummingbirds
