Mirabilis Jalapa

Mirabilis jalapa, commonly known as Four O'Clock or Marvel of Peru, is a charming and colorful perennial flowering plant belonging to the Nyctaginaceae family. Native to tropical regions of South America, this delightful plant is admired for its unique blooming habit, captivating flowers, and pleasant fragrance. Here's a description of Mirabilis jalapa:

1. Flowers: The most fascinating feature of Mirabilis jalapa is its enchanting flowers that bloom in the late afternoon and remain open until the next morning, giving rise to its common name "Four O'Clock." The flowers are trumpet-shaped, with five petals and a prominent central tube. They come in a range of attractive colors, including shades of pink, red, yellow, white, and bicolor combinations. Some varieties even change colors as they age, adding to their intrigue.

2. Foliage: The plant's leaves are simple, ovate, and medium green in color. The foliage is lush and provides an attractive backdrop for the vibrant flowers.

3. Blooming Season: Four O'Clock typically blooms from late spring to fall, producing a profusion of flowers during this period. The flowers' blooming time varies depending on the region and growing conditions but is generally in the late afternoon or evening, providing a lovely sight to admire during twilight hours.

4. Fragrance: One of the unique qualities of Mirabilis jalapa is its delightful fragrance, which becomes more pronounced in the evenings. The sweet and pleasant scent adds to the overall charm of the plant.

5. Growth Habit: Four O'Clock is a bushy and herbaceous perennial that can reach a height of 2 to 3 feet (0.6 to 0.9 meters). It has a well-branched and spreading growth habit, creating a lush and appealing appearance.

6. Care Requirements: Mirabilis jalapa is easy to care for and can thrive in a variety of growing conditions. It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. The plant requires well-draining soil and moderate watering to keep the soil consistently moist.

7. Landscape Use: Four O'Clock is a versatile plant and can be used in various landscape settings. It is commonly used in flower beds, borders, and containers, as well as in cottage gardens or as an accent plant.