Four O’Clocks (Mirabilis jalapa) Guide: How To ID, Grow Types of Umbrellaworts

Georgette Kilgore headshot, wearing 8 Billion Trees shirt with forest in the background.Written by Georgette Kilgore

Gardening | July 4, 2024

Woman looking at pink four o'clocks flowers after reading a growing guide that explained how to plant and grow types of umbrellawort flowers (mirabilis jalapa), growing zones, and care tips.

Four O’Clocks (Mirabilis jalapa), also called Marvel of Peru, are herbaceous tender perennials often grown as annuals for their vibrant, fragrant summer flowers. These fantastic flowers don’t open until late afternoon, around 4 pm, hence the common name.

Vibrant blossoms in infinite color combinations add vertical structure and mouth-watering aromas to borders and patio containers, making them an awesome addition to your outdoor landscape.

Four O’Clock plants have delighted gardeners since Aztec times with fantastic flowers and intoxicating evening fragrance.1 Their botanical name Mirabilis jalapa combines the Latin words for “admirable/marvelous” and “Jalapa”, a laxative thought to have been derived from its roots and used in central and South America.

One whiff as the blossoms unfold explains why it is sometimes called the “Marvel of Peru”.

Their low maintenance nature, vivid flowers, extended bloom time and pest resistance have made them garden favorites for generations. With lush green foliage and a spreading habit, these beauties brighten borders and containers while attracting pollinators with their sweet nectar.

As a tender perennial, Four O’Clock flowers thrive across the southern half of the U.S. where winters stay frost-free. They bloom abundantly the first year when grown as annuals farther north.

This beginner-friendly flower couldn’t be easier to grow from seed or tubers. Once settled in, these carefree beauties require little maintenance beyond occasional watering and plenty of sunlight.

Read on to discover foolproof tips for identifying Four O’Clock plants and how to plant and nurture these rewarding heirloom plants successfully in your own landscape.

Though parts are mildly toxic, the beauty and resilience of Four O’Clocks make them popular additions to cottage gardens and tropical borders.

How To Identify Four O’Clocks (4 O’Clock Flowers)

4 O’Clock flowers are tender perennial subshrubs with shallow tuberous roots often grown as annuals outside their native tropical habitat.

Four O'Clocks

(Mirabilis jalapa)

A yellow Four O'Clock flowers, framed by an oval green border on a green background.
  • Family: Nyctaginaceae
  • Genus: Mirabilis
  • Leaf: Simple, opposite leaves up to 4 inches long that are oval, egg-shaped, or lance-shaped with smooth edges. Emerging leaves may have a reddish cast. Mature to bluish-green.
  • Seed: Small, dark brown, leathery, wrinkled, kidney-shaped seeds inside puffy black seed pods up to 2.5 inches long. Poisonous if ingested.
  • Blossoms: Fragrant, tubular flowers that flare open. 1 to 2 inches long with 5 fused lobes. Colors vary widely - red, pink, yellow, white, purple or multi-colored combinations and patterns. Open in late afternoon and evening.
  • Native Habitat: Tropical regions - Mexico, Guatemala, Peru, Chile. Naturalized in USDA zones 7 to 11.
  • Height: 2 to 4 feet tall
  • Canopy: 2 to 3 feet wide
  • Type: Tender perennial in zones 8 to 11. Grown as an annual in cooler zones. Herbaceous bushy plant.

Here’s how to identify Four O’Clocks:2

Four O’Clock Leaves

The alternately arranged, simple Four O’Clock leaves clasp the many upright branching stems. They comprise of a single smooth-edged, pointed oval leaf blade measuring 1 to 4 inches long.

Bluish-green leaves emerge with reddish tones, then mature to bright green. The smooth-margined green leaves comprise three oval leaflets giving them a clover-like look.

Four O’Clock Flowers

From early summer into fall, plants produce abundant trumpet-shaped blooms that unfurl in the evening (around 4 O’Clock), lasting just overnight which gives rise to names like Marvel of Peru and Four O’Clock flower.

The abundant clusters of 1 to 2 inch tubular flowers resemble inverted bells and come in shades of pink, rose, red, purple, yellow, and white, often multi-colored or variegated on the same plant. They display interesting streaks, speckles, spots and splashes in contrasting hues and patterns unlike other types of white flowers.

The unique tubular blooms feature five fused petals in a trumpet shape, flaring open at the ends. As they open, the blossoms release an intoxicating fragrance with hints of gardenia, cloves, and citrus.

This heady perfume is strongest around sunset when pollinating hawk moths and other types of moths come calling.3 The individual tubular flowers last only 24 hours before dropping off.

However, new buds continue opening each evening, perpetuating waves of color and scent into autumn’s first frost when the lacy foliage blackens. The flowers produce an edible red dye for coloring food.

Four O’Clock Seeds & Seed Pods

Once they finish blooming in early fall, inflated green seed pods develop at the tips of branches, ripening to leathery black/dark brown spheres filled with loose dark brown seeds by late summer. These peanut-sized pods split open when completely dry.

The seeds give a rattling shake inside and often self-sow under ideal conditions.

Four O’Clock Roots

Marvels of Peru form swollen underground tubers similar to dahlias,4 which allow them to regrow each year around spring in zones 8 to 11. Take care not to disturb these resentment taproots when transplanting.

Growing Zones and Native Range for Four O’Clock Plants

In the wild, Four O’Clocks occur across tropical and subtropical parts of Mexico, Central, and South America where they thrive in hot,1 humid environments.

This plant has naturalized across warm climate gardens worldwide as a beloved ornamental.

Graphic of Four O'Clocks identification featuring images of Four O'Clock seeds, Four O'Clock flowers in pink and yellow, and Four O'Clock leaves.

While many gardeners treat Four O’Clocks as charming fast-growing annual flowers, they thrive year after year across USDA zones 8 through 11 as tender perennials. This covers most southern states where they perennialize over winter.

In these zones, their tuberous roots enable perennializing behavior, overwintering to emerge bigger and better every year. In cooler zones, they die with fall frosts but grow well as fast-growing summer annuals or brought indoors over winter when grown in containers.

Here is an overview of growing zones for Four O’Clocks (Where to grow):

USDA Four O’Clocks Growing Zones

Below are the Four O’Clocks growing zones:

  • Zones 7 to 9: Hot and humid southern climates suit them perfectly and perennialize with heavy mulch protection. Ensure good drainage in these zones as well.
  • Zones 10 to 11: Thrive across Florida, Gulf Coast, southern California. Reliably overwinter containers and garden plants.
  • Elsewhere: Reliably perennialize only in frost-free regions. Otherwise grow as flashy, fast-growing and long-blooming annuals.

Keep reading to learn how to plant Four O’Clocks for success wherever you garden across North America.

Best Growing Conditions for Four O’Clocks

Although quite drought and heat tolerant once established, Four O’Clocks flower most profusely in organically rich soil with average moisture and plenty of direct sunlight.

Bright pink 4 o'clock flowers with vibrant green foliage in a garden.

(Image: José Antonio León Mangado8)

Here are the best growing conditions for Four O’clocks to ensure success with these marvelous plants:5

Sun Exposure

Full sun

How much sunlight does Four O’Clocks need each day? Four O’Clocks thrive in spots receiving at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for best growth and prolific blooms.

Afternoon shade is tolerated in hot southern zones. Insufficient sunlight causes flopping stems.

Soil

Rich, humus-filled, well-drained soil. Average fertility.

Mirabilis jalapa adapts to most soils with ample organic material and drainage. Though quite adaptable, Four O’Clocks perform best in organically rich loamy soil with average moisture and fertility.

Too much nitrogen causes lanky growth unable to support the heavy flower heads. Sandy, clay or rocky soil is tolerated provided there is decent drainage.

Water

Watering needs for Four O’Clocks plants, Average moisture, established plants are quite drought tolerant.

Young transplants need consistent deep water for good root development. Mature Four O’Clock plants tolerate dry spells but flower best with average moisture.

Allow soil to nearly dry between thorough weekly soakings. Note that inadequate water also reduces flowering.

Temperature

Prefers warm zones 8 to 11. Not frost hardy.

Hot and humid summers suit Four O’Clocks nicely. Four O’Clocks relish summer heat, readily withstanding temperatures over 90° F.

However, they cannot tolerate freezing winter temperatures. Ensure airflow and avoid reflected afternoon heat in the hottest zones.

Grow as an annual where winters dip below 30°F.

When and How To Plant Four O’Clocks for the Best Results

You can grow Four O’Clocks either by planting nursery starts, sowing seeds directly in landscape gardening beds once night temperatures stay above 50° F or starting seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your last expected spring frost.

Dense foliage of a Four O'Clock plant showcasing pink flowers and unopened buds, with green leaves.

(Image: Hugo Hulsberg9)

Below outlines each method’s steps and timing specifics so you can have a clear idea on when to plant Four O’Clocks for the best yield.

Planting Four O’Clock Nursery Starts

Purchase potted plants from garden centers in spring, transplanting them outdoors after the danger of frost passes, alongside other tender annuals like zinnias or tomatoes. Space plants 12 to 18 inches apart in prepared garden beds.

Water them at planting time and as needed until established.

Planting Four O’Clock Seeds Outdoors

Sow seeds directly in prepared backyard garden beds once nighttime temperatures reliably exceed 50° degrees and risk of frost is passed, usually early to mid-spring. Scatter seeds 1 inch apart, covering with 1/4 inch of fine soil.

The area needs sunshine for seeds to germinate. Water gently to avoid washing seeds away.

Thin seedlings or transplant to proper spacing once several true leaves emerge.

Starting Seeds Indoors

You can get a head start on the growing season by sowing seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your area’s last expected spring frost date. Fill starter trays or cells with moist seed starting mix.

Plant 2 to 3 seeds in each cell, covering with 1⁄4 inch of mix. Place containers in bright warmth around 70° Fahrenheit.

Water soil judiciously to remain barely moist until sprouts emerge in 7 to 21 days.

Once seedlings display two sets of true leaves, thin to one plant per cell by snipping off weaker ones at soil level with small scissors. Transplant vigorously growing starters into individual containers about 2 weeks later.

Move them outdoors once night temperatures remain above 50° F to toughen up for a week before transplanting into garden beds after the danger of frost passes in spring.

Harden off seedlings by initially placing them outdoors in filtered sunlight for a few hours, gradually increasing their exposure over 7 to 10 days until they can withstand full sun and outdoor temperatures.

Remember to space transplants at least 12 inches apart in all directions.

By understanding the nuances of when and how to sow Four O’Clock seeds or plant nursery transplants properly, your odds of success with these amazing flowers increases exponentially.

If unsure when your average last spring frost date falls, check with local extension services for planting guidance. With such a long growing season, Four O’Clocks have ample time to mature and welcome you home with fantastic blooms each evening.

Tips for Growing 4 O’Clocks: How To Grow Four O’Clocks

Getting Four O’Clocks established in the right spot sets the tone for marvelous growth and prolific blooms into fall.

Dense foliage of a Four O'Clock plant with purple flowers draping over a large rock in a landscaped garden.

(Image: Victor Heng10)

Follow these simple planting tips for Four O’Clocks success:5

  • Site Selection: Pick a spot in full sun with rich soil and ample elbow room. Near walkways lets you appreciate the evening floral display and fantastic fragrance.
  • Spacing: How far apart to plant Four O’Clocks? Allow 18 to 24 inches between plants for air circulation and final dimensions reaching 4 feet.
    Wider spacing reduces tendency to flop.
  • Soil Prep: Work a relatively generous amount of aged compost or organic matter into beds before planting to enrich and improve drainage.
  • Planting Stage: Sow after soil warms in spring or plant nursery starts once night temperatures remain above 50°F.
  • Planting Process: Dig holes wide enough to easily accommodate root balls, planting at the same level plants grew in pots, then water thoroughly.
  • Ongoing Care: Install supports around leggy plants until roots establish. Apply 2 to 3 inches of organic mulch to conserve moisture and reduce weeds.
    Caring properly for tender Four O’Clock seedlings ensures vigorous, prolific plants. It’s also simple to propagate from seed collected in fall.

Propagating Four O’Clocks: How To Grow Four O’Clocks from Seeds, Cuttings and Tubers

Once planted in the optimal site, Four O’Clocks steadily spread via underground rhizomes and self-sown seeds. You can also easily propagate these charmers by seed, division or stem cuttings with a bit of patience and TLC.6

The information below outlines everything needed to multiply your marvels of Peru successfully.

How To Grow Four O’Clocks from Seeds

If allowed to set seed, Four O’Clocks readily self-sow under ideal conditions, creating thick stands requiring thinning. To intentionally grow Four O’Clocks from seed, allow some spent flowers to dry on the plants after bloom time.

Collect seed pods when dry, letting seeds inside spill out onto paper to dry further. Store thoroughly dry seeds in envelopes or jars labelled appropriately.

When ready to plant, follow the seed starting directions above, sowing saved seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before planting time. Move seedlings or direct sow seeds in prepared garden beds after danger of frost passes.

Caring for Four O’Clocks Seedlings

While Four O’Clock care is generally minimal once established, young sprouts and transplants need attentive care while rooting fully.

A single vibrant Mirabilis jalapa flower displays a stunning combination of pink and yellow splashes on its petals.

(Image: Bajer16)

Follow these tips to help them flourish:

  • Water the plants thoroughly at planting and 2 to 3 times per week thereafter, reducing frequency after about 8 weeks.
  • Weed diligently around young plants.
  • Apply organic mulch, like shredded bark, around plants to conserve moisture and reduce weeds.
  • Pinch main stems once seedlings reach 6 inches to encourage bushy growth.
  • Install plant supports until heavy bloom stalks can stand upright alone.

By babying your Four O’Clock seedlings a bit with extra water, pinching back tips for bushiness and staking stems briefly, you’ll be rewarded with a neat, prolific display for years to come.

Dividing Existing Four O’Clock Clumps: Four O’Clock Tuber Division

The most reliable propagation method involves dividing existing plants in early spring as growth resumes or fall before first frost.

Follow these simple steps:

  1. Water the plants thoroughly a day before you plan to dig them up.
  2. Use a garden fork to gently lift and split clumps that are 3 to 5 years old.
  3. Gently break clumps with multiple shoots and roots attached into smaller sections.
  4. Replant the smaller sections, spacing them 12 to 18 inches apart, immediately.
  5. Firm the soil around the divisions and water them thoroughly.
  6. Trim any floppy stems and remove dead leaves.
  7. Water the divisions daily during the first week, and then weekly for 8 to 10 weeks until they are fully established.

Divided plants should resume blooming by summer. Space divisions at least 12 inches apart to allow for growth.

Starting Four O’Clocks from Cuttings

With care, you can also start new Four O’Clock plants from tip cuttings collected while still young and flexible:

  1. Clip 4 to 6-inch stem tips just below a leaf node.
  2. Remove lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone
  3. Plant cutting halfway into moist seed starting mix
  4. Cover the pot with a plastic tent for humidity
  5. Place the cutting in indirect light around 70°F
  6. Monitor soil moisture closely
  7. Transplant successfully rooted cuttings to garden beds after hardening off

By midsummer, cuttings should develop tuberous roots and flower buds for transplanting directly in garden beds after hardening off properly.

Growing Four O’Clocks in Containers

The vibrant colors and intoxicating fragrance of Four O’Clocks helps gardens shine. But what if you have limited space?

These charmers also grow beautifully in pots! Container gardening enables enjoying Four O’Clocks nearly anywhere, patios, entryways, balconies, and poolside.

Four O'Clock flowers with deep pink and yellow-red petals highlighted by sunlight, accompanied by lush green leaves and buds.

(Image: Maria11)

Planters along walkways and lighted porch stairs let you appreciate the fantastic evening floral display and perfume up close. Portability also allows moving potted plants to highlight their whereabouts.

Follow this simple advice to keep Four O’Clocks in containers looking their vibrant best all season:

  1. Choosing a Pot: Opt for a large planter or half whiskey barrel containers at least 18 to 24 inches wide and deep to give roots ample room to grow. Make sure yours has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
    You can also use suspended baskets lined with coco fiber liners for cascading varieties.
  2. Soil Mix: Use a quality potting mix formulated for containers, not garden soil which compacts over time. The lightweight, soilless media retains moisture but still drains well to prevent soggy roots while providing aeration.
  3. Watering Container Plants: Plants dry out quicker in pots so check soil daily, watering container Four O’Clocks whenever the top inch becomes partly dry. Adding water-retaining polymer crystals to the soil helps maintain moisture between waterings.
  4. Fertilizer: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly to encourage flowering and replace nutrients that easily leach out from regular irrigation.
  5. Overwintering Containers: As tender perennials, container plants need winter protection from frost and freezing. In zones 7 to 8, move pots to an unheated garage or porch once night temperatures drop below 40°F.

Check them periodically for moisture. After they die back, limit watering to once a month until spring when you can move them back outdoors.

In colder zones, plants must be brought indoors before the first frost. Place in a sunny window and water sparingly around once a month to keep tubers alive until spring planting time.

The vertical form and profuse blossoms of the aptly named ‘Marvel of Peru’ bring striking beauty to container plantings through summer and fall with the right tending. A bit of planning for overwintering ensures they return dependably each year.

Caring for Four O’Clock Plants

Easy-care Four O’Clocks require minimal upkeep once established.

A dense array of vibrant magenta Four O'Clock flowers blooming.

(Image: Szabolcs Molnar12)

Follow these simple annual care tips to maintain fast-growing, floriferous plants:1

Watering

Drought resistance makes them resilient but occasional deep soakings encourage growth and flowering. Establishing plants need more consistent moisture.

Allow soil to nearly dry between thorough weekly waterings.

Pruning

Remove spent blooms to encourage reblooming if desired. Clip back dead stems to the ground in late fall or early spring to improve appearance.

Fertilizing

Avoid excess fertilizer which creates lanky, floppy growth prone to toppling over. However, monthly feedings with bloom-booster fertilizer keeps plants vigorous and floriferous.

Mulching

Replenish the 2-3-inch-deep mulch ring each spring with organic matter to retain soil moisture and reduce weeds.

Staking

Support floppy young plants with tomato cages or stakes until the root system expands to hold them upright.

Division

Divide congested older plants every 3 to 5 years in early fall, immediately replanting divisions to rejuvenate growth.

By understanding where to site marvelous Four O’Clocks and how to care for them properly, these fantastic flowers will enchant for years to come.

Companion Plants for Growing Four O’Clocks

The unique vertical form and vivid floral displays of Mirabilis jalapa complements most flowering plants. Contrast its weak stems with sturdy neighbors or allow it to gently lean for support.

A garden patch with large blue-green cabbages in the foreground, orange marigolds, and dark purple foliage.

(Image: congerdesign13)

Here are some favorite companion plants for growing Four O’clocks:

  • Marigolds: Cheery orange or yellow blossoms shine against the green foliage. The marigold’s pungent scent deters certain pests.
    Allow them to gently support Four O’Clock’s floppy stems.
  • Cosmos: Another cottage garden classic. airy, colorful flowers bloom alongside Four O’Clocks atop slender stems with lacy leaves.
    Grow en masse for a floriferous border.
  • Bulb Flowers: Plant drifts of ornamental onions, lilies or gladiolus bulbs nearby for early complementary colors before Four O’Clocks kick into high gear. Their strappy foliage helps hide fading Four O’Clock stems later on.
  • Sages: Vivid red or blue flower spikes bloom alongside marvelous Four O’Clocks fading in early summer. Evergreen foliage remains all season.
    They tolerate the same growing conditions.
  • Verbena: Low-growing verbena spreads to form mats of colorful clusters. The compact habit contrasts wonderfully with Four O’Clock’s height and complements the rainbow of blossom colors.

Other options include:

  • Zinnias: Profuse brightly colored summer flowers. Drought and heat tolerant once established.
  • Lavender: Fragrant foliage and abundant purple flowers in summer. Attracts pollinators.

You can also underplant marvels of Peru with trailing plants like sweet alyssum or blue lobelia for a contrast of heights and textures.

By combining Four O’Clock’s unique flowers with complementary blooms and foliage with shared cultural preferences, you can create vibrant, hassle-free garden beds and container combos.

Managing Four O’Clock Pests and Diseases

When grown in the right conditions, Four O’Clock plants remain mostly pest and disease free.1

A Mirabilis jalapa flower with fiery red and gold streaked petals stands out against the soft-focus greenery in the background.

(Image: Petra Göschel (zimt2003)17)

However, watch for these few potential problems:

Pests: Natural Pest Control for Four O’Clocks

Here are the common natural pest control for Four O’clocks:

  • Spider Mites: They cause stippling damage on foliage. Hose off foliage with jets of water to blast away webs and eggs.
    Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap spray for heavy infestations .
  • Thrips & Leaf Beetles: They skeletonize leaves and petals. Remove badly damaged foliage.
    Apply biological insecticidal soap spray as needed.
  • Aphids: They distort growth through sap sucking. Knock off heavy colonies with a strong water spray.
    Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings.

Diseases: How To Stop Four O’Clocks Disease

Below are the common diseases affecting Four O’Clocks:

  • Leaf Spot: Improve air circulation. Water at soil level, avoid wetting leaves.
    Remove and destroy affected leaves, treat with neem oil.
  • Rust: Space plants properly and remove infected leaves. Avoid overhead watering and promote airflow.

Other Problems You May Encounter

Below are some additional challenges you might face when growing Four O’Clocks:

  • Flopping Stems: Pinch back seedlings when small to encourage bushy growth. Stake leggy plants.
    Ensure adequate sunlight.
  • Failure to Bloom/Weak Blooming: Move to a sunnier site. Apply bloom-booster fertilizer monthly but avoid excessive feeding.

The best Four O’Clocks disease prevention is by siting them properly and quickly addressing any pest or disease issues facing Four O’Clocks so you can continue enjoying carefree plants. When issues arise, don’t hesitate to remove badly infected plants entirely to prevent spreading further.

Types of Four O’Clocks

While most available seeds are simply labeled “Four O’Clocks”, some species and cultivars offer more compact sizes or different flower colors:

  • Mirabilis longiflora: Sweetly fragrant white flowers with yellow centers adored by sphinx moths.
  • Mirabilis multiflora:7 Native wildflower called Colorado Four O’Clock with magenta blooms. Grows much larger.
  • ‘Kaleidoscope Mix’: Vivid bicolor types in red/orange, cream/magenta or pink/white. Bold colors.
  • ‘Marbles Mix’: Striped rose, red, yellow and pink flowers resembling traditional antique marbles.
  • ‘Limelight’: Bright lime green foliage with vibrant fuchsia blooms. Grows 12-24 inches tall.
  • ‘Red Glow’: Fiery red blooms cover this variety growing 24 inches tall and 18 inches wide.

No matter which cultivar or species you select, Four O’Clocks bring easy elegance and cheerful flowers to gardens.

Uses for Four O’Clock Plants in Gardens & Landscapes

Beyond floral displays, Four O’Clock lends ample ornamental value to gardens:

  1. Cottage Garden Accent: Combine Four O’Clocks with old-fashioned roses, daisies and other informal plantings. Allows them to gently lean on neighboring plants if needed.
  2. Vertical Contrast: Tall flower spikes punctuate low borders or creeping groundcovers. Provides height and architecture.
  3. Tropical Plantings: Brilliant flowers and drought tolerance work well in tropical theme gardens. Site near elephant’s ears or banana plants.
  4. Night Gardens: Fragrant evening flowers shine near patios, windows or along lighted walkways.
  5. Pollinator Gardens: Attracts hawk moths, bees, and hummingbirds. As with other plants that attract hummingbirds and other pollinators, plant en masse for the biggest impact.
  6. Specimen Planting: Eye-catching focal point for island beds or planting containers. Provides vertical interest.

For challenging dry slopes, foundation plantings or garden highlights turn to tough yet graceful Four O’Clocks. These charmers brighten gardens and perfume the air on warm evenings.

Toxicity and Risks of Four O’Clock Plants

While enchantingly beautiful, Four O’Clocks contain naturally occurring poisonous compounds – mainly in seeds and roots.5 Specifically, the toxins include the alkaloids cytisine, baptifoline, anagyrine, and baptitoxine, which can adversely impact digestion and respiration if ingested.

Bright yellow flowers with delicate petals and prominent red stamens, set against a soft-focus green background.

(Image: Ankit Bhattacharjee14)

While rare, ingesting plant parts may cause vomiting, diarrhea or mouth irritation. Sap contact irritates skin in sensitive individuals.

Nevertheless, the plants pose little risk to people or pets when basic precautions apply:

  1. Site beds away from unsupervised play areas and edible gardens.
  2. Label planting areas clearly as potentially toxic if young kids or pets may access.
  3. Collect ripe seed pods before they burst open and spread in fall.
  4. Always wear gloves when handling seeds or roots during propagation or preparation for storage.
  5. Wash hands immediately after working with plant parts as toxins enter through mucus membranes of eyes, nose or mouth.

When Does Four O’Clock Bloom?

Where did the name Four O’Clock originate? Living up to its name, Four O’Clock’s flowers reliably begin opening daily around 4 pm when temperatures cool, continuing to unfurl into the evening hours.

Pollinating moths keep the flowers open overnight. Come late morning when temperatures climb again, the blooms fade and close until the next evening.

Cool, cloudy days coax the blooms open earlier and remain viable all day. But you can set your watch to their appearance near sunset.

In northern zones, blooming runs from July through first frost while southern home gardens enjoy flowers as early as May lasting into fall. Deadheading spent blooms encourages plants to continue producing new flower buds into autumn.

Four O’Clocks Flower Meaning and Symbolism

Associated with the tropics and evenings, the showy flowers reveal a daily surprise, keeping in awe of nature’s marvels. As blossoms unfold in late afternoon, the cheery colors echo feelings of childhood delight and simpler times of wonder.

They represent fleeting yet joyous moments to be savored.

Meanwhile, the blackening foliage symbolizes autumn’s transition to winter dormancy, reminding us of the natural cycle of rebirth come spring.

Their old-fashioned charm hearkens back to Grandma’s garden yet timeless beauty remains relevant today.

If variety is the spice of life, then Four O’Clocks add a heaping spoonful of diversity to gardens and plant lovers alike.

Frequently Asked Questions About Four O’Clocks

What Makes Four O'Clock Flowers Open and Close at Certain Times?

The unique flowering habit relates to temperature, not available sunlight. As the ambient air cools near sunset, biochemical reactions trigger the blooms to open and then as daytime heat returns the next morning, flowers fade and close.

What Is the Best Way To Start Four O'Clocks?

Four O’Clocks grow easily from seeds started indoors 6 to 8 weeks before last frost. Alternatively, direct sow outdoors after danger of frost where they’ll grow quickly once soil warms or propagate from tuberous roots divided in fall and transplanted in spring.

What Is the Four O'Clock Growth Rate? How Long Does It Take Four O'Clocks To Reach Maturity?

Four O’Clocks are fast-growing annuals or tender perennials. They germinate quickly from seeds and seedlings establish rapidly, often flowering by midsummer just a couple months from sowing with fully mature plants reaching 1 to 4 feet tall and wide within a single season.


References

1Mahr, S. (2024). Four O’Clocks, Mirabilis jalapa. University of Wisconsin – Madison. Retrieved March 13, 2024, from <https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/four-oclocks-mirabilis-jalapa/>

2Utah State University. (2024). Four O’clock. Utah State University. Retrieved March 13, 2024, from <https://extension.usu.edu/rangeplants/forbs-herbaceous/four-oclock>

3Buchman, S. (2024). Hawk Moths or Sphinx Moths (Sphingidae). USDA. Retrieved March 13, 2024, from <https://www.fs.usda.gov/wildflowers/pollinators/pollinator-of-the-month/hawk_moths.shtml>

4Klingaman, G. (1999, October 8). Plant of the Week: Four O’Clock. University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. Retrieved March 13, 2024, from <https://www.uaex.uada.edu/yard-garden/resource-library/plant-week/four-oclock.aspx>

5N.C. Cooperative Extension. (2024). Mirabilis jalapa. North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox. Retrieved March 13, 2024, from <https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/mirabilis-jalapa/>

6Welch, W. C. (2009). Four O’Clocks: (Mirabilis jalapa). Texas AgriLife Extension Service. Retrieved March 13, 2024, from <https://aggie-hort.tamu.edu/newsletters/hortupdate/2009/aug09/FourClock.html>

7McDonald, C. (2024). Colorado Four O’clock (Mirabilis multiflora). USDA. Retrieved March 13, 2024, from <https://www.fs.usda.gov/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/mirabilis_multiflora.shtml>

8Photo 299086047 Photo by José Antonio León Mangado. (2023, July 10) / CC0 1.0 DEED | CC0 1.0 Universal. Resized. iNaturalist. Retrieved March 13, 2024, from <https://www.inaturalist.org/photos/299086047?size=large>

9Photo 174872614 Photo by Hugo Hulsberg. (2021, February 3) / CC0 1.0 DEED | CC0 1.0 Universal. Resized. iNaturalist. Retrieved March 13, 2024, from <https://www.inaturalist.org/photos/174872614?size=large>

10Photo 332944245 Photo by Victor Heng. (2023, November 1) / CC0 1.0 DEED | CC0 1.0 Universal. Resized. iNaturalist. Retrieved March 13, 2024, from <https://www.inaturalist.org/photos/332944245?size=large>

11Wonder of Peru Flowers Plants Photo by Maria (Marysia60). (2021, August 31) / Pixabay Content License. Resized. Pixabay. Retrieved March 13, 2024, from <https://pixabay.com/photos/wonder-of-peru-flowers-plants-6580250/>

12Marvel of Peru Four Oclock Flowers Photo by Szabolcs Molnar (MolnarSzabolcsErdely). (2022, September 2) / Pixabay Content License. Resized. Pixabay. Retrieved March 13, 2024, from <https://pixabay.com/photos/marvel-of-peru-four-oclock-flowers-7425849/>

13White Cabbage Garden Photo by congerdesign. (2017, July 20, ) / Pixabay Content License. Resized. Pixabay. Retrieved March 13, 2024, from <https://pixabay.com/photos/white-cabbage-garden-2521700/>

14Young Marvel of Peru Photo by Ankit Bhattacharjee (ankit2k11). (May 26, 2021) / Pixabay Content License. Resized. Pixabay. Retrieved March 13, 2024, from <https://pixabay.com/photos/marvel-of-peru-flowers-plant-6284501/>

15Species Information Image: A Bush of Yellow Flowers With Green Leaves Photo by Marion Mesbah. (2023, October 1) / Unsplash License. Cropped and added text, shape, and background elements. Unsplash. Retrieved March 13, 2024, from <https://unsplash.com/photos/a-bush-of-yellow-flowers-with-green-leaves-D5eNvddX7tM>

16Freak Mirabilis jalapa Flower Photo by Bajer. (2016, March 23) / Pixabay Content License. Resized. Pixabay. Retrieved March 13, 2024, from <https://pixabay.com/photos/freak-mirabilis-jalapa-flower-1271561/>

17Miracle Flower Mirabilis jalapa Photo by Petra Göschel (zimt2003). (2018, August 12) / Pixabay Content License. Resized. Pixabay. Retrieved March 13, 2024, from <https://pixabay.com/photos/miracle-flower-mirabilis-jalapa-3601100/>