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Wild four o’clock

Mirabilis multiflora

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.

Noteworthy CharacteristicsAbundant, fragrant flowers. U.S. native.

CareGrow in full sun and most any well-drained soil. Likes heat and needs little water once established.

PropagationBest started from seed, as it has a very long taproot. Soak seeds in warm water before sowing.

ProblemsRusts, leaf spot.

  • Genus : Mirabilis
  • Plant Height : 1 to 3 feet
  • Zones : 10, 8, 9
  • Plant Width : 3 to 6 feet
  • Moisture : Dry to Medium
  • Bloom Time : Early Summer, Late Summer, Summer
  • Characteristics : Fragrant Flowers
  • Light : Full Sun to Partial Shade
  • Maintenance : Moderate
  • Plant Type : Perennials
  • Flower Color : Pink
  • Plant Seasonal Interest : Summer Interest

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