Mirabilis Plant Growing & Care Guide for Gardeners
Article by Dean Ravenscroft, Ph.D. - Updated 28th Oct 2023
In this Gardener's HQ guide, we'll explore cultivating Mirabilis plants in your garden, indoor spaces, and other settings.
- Plant Characteristics: Mirabilis showcases vibrant tubular flowers that open in the late afternoon. Its unique blooming habit and fragrance are alluring draws for evening gardens.
- Ideal Growing Conditions: These plants love full sun and well-drained soil. Regular moisture aids in promoting consistent blooms.
- General Care: Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms. While fairly drought-tolerant, watering in prolonged dry spells aids growth.
- Tips for New Gardeners: Four O'Clocks are quite adaptable and ideal for beginners. While they can self-seed prolifically, managing young plants can help to ensure garden order. As plants can become invasive, be sure to check local regulations before growing these plant in your garden.
Four O'clock Flower, Marvel of Peru, & Beauty of the Night: Cultivation & Garden Use
Mirabilis plants are half hardy perennials that reach from 60 cm to 1.2 m (2 to 4 feet) in height. They are usually grown as half hardy annuals in the garden.
Mirabilis bloom from summer until the end of autumn. They will only grow in warm areas that have low humidity.
Mirabilis jalapa – Marvel of Peru by Jam343; creative commons.
When in bloom they carry trumpet shaped flowers of pink, red, or white. These come out in the evening, and have a fragrant nature.
Mirabilis jalapa – Four O'clock flower by Salvatore Ingala.
Some common names for Mirabilis include Beauty of the Night, Umbrellaworts, Four-o'clock, Wishbone Bush, and Marvel of Peru.
Commonly Grown Mirabilis Species Photographs and Plant Identification
Mirabilis jalapa
Mirabilis jalapa (Marvel of Peru / Four O'clock Flower), photograph by Leonora (Ellie) Enking; CC.
Mirabilis multiflora
Mirabilis multiflora (Colorado Four O'clock), photograph by Brewbooks; CC.
Mirabilis nyctaginea
Mirabilis nyctaginea (Wild Four o'clock / Heartleaf Umbrella Wort), Creative Commons Flickr..
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Mirabilis Plant Growing and Care Guide
Common Names: Four O'clock flower, Marvel of Peru, Beauty of the Night, Wishbone Bush, Heartleaf Umbrella Wort.Life Cycle: Half hardy perennial commonly grown as a half hardy annual by gardeners.
Height: 6 to 50 inches (15 to 125 cm).
Native: Americas.
Growing Region: Zones 3 to 10. As a perennial in zones 8 to 10.
Flowers: Summer and autumn.
Flower Details: Yellow, red, white, pink; often two-toned. Deep throated trumpets. Fragrant. Flowers open in the evening.
Foliage: Green. Thin. Oval or heart-shaped.
Sow Outside: Surface. Following last frost or in autumn (warm areas). Spacing 4 to 40 inches (10 to 100 cm).
Sow Inside: Use peat pots. Germination time: one to three weeks in the light. Temperature 70°F (21°C). Seven or eight weeks in advance. Transplant outdoors following the last frost or in autumn.
Requirements: Full sunlight or light shade. Good drainage. Soil pH 6-7. Ordinary soil. Monthly feed. Regular watering. Perennials should be cut back to the ground once flowering has finished. Propagate: dividing in the spring.
Family: Nyctaginaceae.
Miscellaneous: Mirabilis is the Latin word for amazing/wonderful.
How to Grow Marvel of Peru, Four O'clock flower, Beauty of the Night and other Mirabilis Plants in the Garden
Beauty of the Night, Four O'clock flower, and other Mirabilis plants should be sown about a week after the last frost of spring on the surface.
The plant prefers to grow in an average soil, that is slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6 to 7).
Beauty of the night can be grown both in sunny and in partially shaded areas.
If starting Mirabilis off indoors, then start about one and a half months in advance.
The seeds should be sown in peat pots and takes about one to three weeks to germinate in the light, at 20 degrees Centigrade (68°F).
Once ready, transplant the young seedlings following the last frost. Space out at from 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8 inches, small Mirabilis) or 30 to 90 cm (1 to 3 feet, larger species) apart.
Caring for Mirabilis Plants
Once growing, it is best to water plants such as Beauty of the night regularly. It is also necessary to fertilise Mirabilis plants once a month.
Once the flowering period has finished cut the plants back to ground level. If you require more Mirabilis plants, then the tubers can be divided in the spring.
Common Questions
How many members does the Mirabilis genus contain?
The Mirabilis genus contains about 60 species, the most famous of which is known as the Four O'Clock plant.
Do Mirabilis members make a good garden or landscaping plant?
Absolutely! Mirabilis species, especially the Four O'Clock plant, are often used in gardens for their vibrant, fragrant flowers that bloom in the late afternoon and evening.
Which Mirabilis species are most frequently grown by gardeners?
The most commonly grown species is Mirabilis jalapa (Four O'Clock plant) due to its colorful and fragrant flowers.
Are Mirabilis plants fragrant?
Yes, Mirabilis jalapa is known for its sweetly fragrant flowers that scent the evening air.
What is the perfect location to grow Mirabilis?
Mirabilis plants like a sunny or lightly shaded spot with well-drained soil. They are drought-tolerant and great for xeriscaping.
Is Mirabilis invasive in the USA, if so in which states?
Currently, Mirabilis jalapa can become invasive in some regions of the southern USA due to its self-seeding habit.
How do I remove Mirabilis plants from my garden?
Mirabilis plants can be removed by pulling or digging up the entire plant, including the tuberous roots, to ensure it does not regrow.
Summary
Mirabilis is a genus in the Nyctaginaceae family. The most popular species is Mirabilis jalapa, commonly known as the four o'clock flower. The plants are known for their colorful, fragrant flowers that typically open in the late afternoon.
Plant Mirabilis in a sunny location with well-drained soil. They can be grown from seed in the spring after the danger of frost has passed. Water regularly but do not overwater. With minimal care, these plants will reward you with a delightful display of evening blooms.
I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Mirabilis plants. You may also enjoy the following Gardener's HQ growing guides: How to grow Abronia, Mesembryanthemum, Catananche, and Peruvian Lily plants.
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