‘Four O’Clocks’ Mirabilis jalapa (3 color options)

‘Four O’Clocks’ Mirabilis jalapa (aka. Marvel of Peru) ~ Organic Seeds
20 seeds / packet ~ $2.00 (3 Color Options: Yellow, 7 Packets | Cerise OR White, Many Packets)

Four o’clock flowers are pollinated by sphinx moths and other long tongued nocturnal pollinators. Blooms attract hummingbirds, butterflies, honey bees, and beneficial insects. Mirabilis are resistant to browsing deer and rabbits.

Native to tropical South America in the Andes, I’ve been delighted to grow this old-fashioned, lightly fragrant, garden ornamental in my semi-shaded or morning sun flower beds. They do need to be watered regularly in hot, dry weather or they wilt and flop. Shrub-like, erect, spreading, multi-branched plants grow 2-3 feet tall and wide, flowering profusely from June to frost. They can be used as an annual hedge, if planted 12-24 inches apart. Four o’Clocks  are right at home in a cottage garden, in flower borders and beds, or can be added to large containers. They combine nicely with Asiatic lilies, daylilies, and irises. If possible, place them along on lighted walkways where the night-blooming flowers and fragrance can be appreciated. 

A tender perennial hardy in Zones 7-10, Mirabilis is generally grown as an annual throughout most of the US. The plants produce a dark tuberous carrot-shaped taproot that can be a foot or more long. Tubers can be left in the ground to overwinter here, or dug in the fall,  stored indoors and planted again in spring after the last frost. Treat the tubers like dahlias by digging before the first freeze, shaking off the soil, and storing in dry, cool but frost-free conditions. They produce an abundance of seeds and will self-sow where conditions are suitable. Soak the seeds for 24 hours before planting 1/2 inch deep in well draining, moisture retentive soil, after all danger of frost. (The same time as you plant tomatoes.)

NOTE: As medicinal plants, Mirabilis are toxic to people and pets. They can cause vomiting and diarrhea, if eaten, and the sap can cause dermatitis. Personally, I haven’t noticed any skin irritation when handling the plants. Keep pets and children away from the plant to avoid problems. Please read more online.