Genus Mirabilis

Mirabilis jalapa Photo/Illustration: Jennifer Benner

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The genus Mirabilis is comprised of annuals and tuberous perennials in about 50 species from dry, open areas of the southwestern U.S. and Central and South America. They are grown for their big, brightly colored or white, trumpet-shaped flowers that are often fragrant. Plants bloom for most of the summer. Hummingbirds and moths will visit the flowers. Grow in a bed, border, container, or greenhouse.
Noteworthy characteristics: Large flowers over a long period in summer. M. jalapa can have several colors of blooms on the same plant.
Care: Site in full sun in moderately fertile, well-drained soil. Provide ample water during the growing season, but protect from excessive winter moisture. Mulch half-hardy plants or lift tubers and store indoors. In the greenhouse, grow in full light, and keep dry in winter.
Propagation: Sow seeds in the garden after the frost-free date, or start indoors in early spring at 55-64°F. Tuberous species can be divided in spring.
Problems: White rust, brown rust, and leaf spot commonly affect plants.

Species, varieties and cultivars for genus Mirabilis

Mirabilis jalapa
(Four o'clocks, Marvel of Peru) Be the first to rate this plant

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This bushy perennial has oval, deep green leaves on branched stems. In summer, blooms appear: fragrant red, pink, magenta, yellow or white flowers with a delicate, faded-vanilla aroma. Flowers open in late afternoon and die by morning.

Mirabilis multiflora
(Wild four o'clock) (1 user review)

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Native to the southwestern U.S., California, and Mexico, wild four o'clocks cover themselves with hundreds of purple-pink, petunia-like blooms that open in unison in the afternoon or in the morning on cloudy days. Their musky fragrance attracts their primary pollinator, the hawkmoth. Grow in a border. xeric garden, or rock garden.  

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