Nyctaginaceae
Four O'Clock Flower: Fast Growing
Mirabilis
A hardy, low-maintenance plant that thrives in full sun to partial shade with well-drained, humus-rich soil. Water moderately, letting the topsoil dry between waterings. Fast-growing and free-flowering in its first season from seed.
Every 4 days
Bright indirect
10° - 35°C
% - %
Categories
What is Four O'Clock Flower?
Four O'Clock Flower (Mirabilis) is a easy-care plant from the Nyctaginaceae family. Mirabilis is a genus of herbaceous flowering plants in the family Nyctaginaceae, native to Mexico and Central America. Best represented by Mirabilis jalapa, it is prized for its fragrant, trumpet-shaped flowers that open in the late afternoon and wilt by the next morning, often displaying several di...
Four O'Clock Flower grows up to 1.2m, spread of 60cm, watering every 4 days, 10°C – 35°C. It is not suitable for indoor environments and not safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, Four O'Clock Flower tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Without precautions, ingestion can cause irritation in pets. Keep out of reach of cats and dogs.
How to Care for Four O'Clock Flower?
TLDR: Four O'Clock Flower needs Bright indirect, watering every 4 days, and temperatures between 10-35°C with 40-70% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Four O'Clock Flower?
Water moderately and allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Avoid soggy soil, which encourages root rot in the tuberous roots.
How Much Light Does Four O'Clock Flower Need?
Grow in full sun (at least 6 hours daily) for the best bloom display, though it tolerates partial shade in hot climates.
What Is the Best Soil for Four O'Clock Flower?
Plant in well-drained, humus-rich soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH (6.0-7.0).
What Pot Should You Use for Four O'Clock Flower?
Choose a wide, deep, well-draining pot to accommodate its tuberous root system, or grow directly in garden beds where possible.
What Is Four O'Clock Flower and Where Does It Come From?
Mirabilis is a genus of herbaceous flowering plants in the family Nyctaginaceae, native to Mexico and Central America. Best represented by Mirabilis jalapa, it is prized for its fragrant, trumpet-shaped flowers that open in the late afternoon and wilt by the next morning, often displaying several different colors on the very same plant.
How to Propagate Four O'Clock Flower?
Seed Sowing
Sow after the danger of frost has passed; the plant blooms in its very first year.
- 1 Soak seeds in water overnight to speed germination
- 2 Sow about 1 cm deep in well-drained soil
- 3 Keep soil moist until germination, which occurs in 5-7 days at 20-21°C
- 4 Space seedlings 30-60 cm apart
Materials needed:
Tuber Division
Used mainly in climates with cold winters where the plant cannot survive outdoors year-round.
- 1 In fall, before the first frost, carefully dig up the tuberous roots
- 2 Store in a cool, dry place over winter, as with dahlia tubers
- 3 In spring, divide larger tubers into sections with at least one bud
- 4 Replant after the danger of frost has passed
Materials needed:
How Big Does Four O'Clock Flower Grow?
TLDR: Four O'Clock Flower can reach up to 1.2m tall with Fast growth rate.
Max height
1.2m
Spread
60cm
Growth rate
Fast
Foliage
Deciduous
Warning: Toxic Plant
This plant can be toxic if ingested. Keep out of reach of:
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Four O'Clock Flower?
TLDR: Four O'Clock Flower is susceptible to 3 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
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.
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.
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.
Meaning & Symbolism
Symbolizes wonder and admiration, along with the beauty and mystery of twilight, since its flowers open only as evening falls.
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field Maple | Easy | Bright indirect | 14d | ✓ |
| Silver Birch | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Bougainvillea | Medium | Direct sun | 7d | ⚠️ |
| Common Blanketflower | Easy | Direct sun | 10d | ✓ |
