Nyctaginaceae
Four O'Clock Flower (Mirabilis jalapa): How to Grow and Care
Mirabilis jalapa
Full sun plant, water every 5 days, well-drained soil. Drought tolerant and resistant to most pests. Ideal for outdoor gardens. Fertilize monthly in spring and summer.
Every 5 days
Direct sun
7° - 38°C
40% - 70%
Categories
What is Four O'Clock Flower?
Four O'Clock Flower (Mirabilis jalapa) is a easy-care plant from the Nyctaginaceae family. Four O'Clock Flower (Mirabilis jalapa) is a perennial plant native to Peru and Central America, widely grown for its fragrant, trumpet-shaped blooms that open in the late afternoon and close by morning. It belongs to the Nyctaginaceae family and is prized for its vivid multicolored flowers and hardi...
Four O'Clock Flower grows up to 90cm, with spread of 90cm, watering every 5 days, 7°C – 38°C, 40–70% humidity. It is not suitable for indoor environments and not safe for pets.
Care Guide
How to Water
Water every 5 days, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot.
Lighting
Plant in full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day). Tolerates partial shade but flowering will be less abundant.
Ideal Soil
Use well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Mix in sand or perlite to ensure adequate drainage and prevent root rot.
Recommended Pot
Large outdoor bed or big pot with drainage holes. Avoid pots without drainage.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 30 days
Repot
Every 365 days
About Four O'Clock Flower
Four O'Clock Flower (Mirabilis jalapa) is a perennial plant native to Peru and Central America, widely grown for its fragrant, trumpet-shaped blooms that open in the late afternoon and close by morning. It belongs to the Nyctaginaceae family and is prized for its vivid multicolored flowers and hardiness.
How to Propagate
Seed Sowing
Seeds germinate best at 55-65°F (13-18°C). Direct sowing in the garden is recommended for best results.
- 1 Sow seeds directly in the ground after the last frost
- 2 Cover lightly with soil and keep moist until germination
- 3 Transplant seedlings when they reach 4 inches tall
Materials needed:
Tuber Division
Tubers can be stored over winter in a cool, frost-free location. Replant the following spring.
- 1 Carefully dig up tubers in autumn after flowering
- 2 Divide with a sterilized knife, ensuring at least one bud per section
- 3 Plant in spring at 2 inches depth after last frost
Materials needed:
Characteristics
Max height
90cm
Spread
90cm
Growth rate
Medium
Foliage
Deciduous
Warning: Toxic Plant
This plant can be toxic if ingested. Keep out of reach of:
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Medicinal
Medicinal properties
Medicinal Uses
- Roots traditionally used as a purgative; seeds have antifungal properties
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
Common Problems
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied, pear-shaped insects (1/16 to 1/8 inch long) that feed by sucking nutrient-rich sap from plants. They reproduce rapidly and can quickly weaken plants, causing distorted growth and transmitting plant viruses. Aphids come in various colors including green, black, red, yellow, brown, and gray. They secrete honeydew, a sticky substance that attracts ants and encourages sooty mold growth.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny arachnids (less than 1/20 inch long) related to spiders and ticks that feed on plant sap. They thrive in hot, dry conditions and can cause significant damage to ornamental and vegetable plants. During severe infestations, crop losses can reach 14% or higher as these pests disrupt vital plant processes including photosynthesis, carbon dioxide absorption, and transpiration.
Root Rot
Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the root system of plants, causing them to decay and die. It is primarily caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions where roots are deprived of oxygen, making them susceptible to fungal infection.
Slugs and Snails
Slugs and snails are mollusks that feed on plant tissue, causing irregular holes in leaves and damage to young seedlings. They are most active at night and in moist conditions, leaving characteristic silvery slime trails. These pests can quickly devastate gardens, especially during wet seasons.
Meaning & Symbolism
The Four O'Clock Flower symbolizes mystery, fleeting beauty, and the passage of time — its flowers open only at dusk and wilt before dawn.
Fun Facts
Four O'Clock flowers open at dusk and close before dawn — a phenomenon called nyctinasty
A single plant can produce flowers of different colors at the same time
The tubers can grow very large and survive winter underground in mild climates
This plant was brought from the Americas to Europe in the 16th century and is now grown worldwide
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water Four O'Clock Flower?
Is Four O'Clock Flower toxic to pets?
When does Four O'Clock Flower bloom?
Can I grow Four O'Clock in a pot?
How do I propagate Four O'Clock Flower?
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peace Lily | Easy | Low light | 4d | ⚠️ |
| Swiss Cheese Plant | Easy | Partial shade | 10d | ⚠️ |
| Golden Pothos | Easy | Low light | 8d | ⚠️ |
| ZZ Plant | Easy | Low light | 18d | ⚠️ |
