Mirabilis

( mihr - RAB - il - iss )

At-A-Glance Information

This genus of flowering perennials (that are at times grown as annuals), need full sun and little water. Commonly called Four O'Clock or Umbrellawort, these plants have a mounding habit and produce trumpet shaped flowers that open in the late afternoon. Take care when planting these flowers in your yard, as the seeds and roots are toxic. Frost will kill them to the ground, but they will return, sprouting from tuberous roots that overwinter under the soil surface. Plants will self-sow freely. 

Mirabilis Species and Varietals

The genus Mirabilis is a member of the plant family Nyctaginaceae and includes Four O'Clock growing zones vary depending on the species. For more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Mirabilis alipes (Winged Four O'Clock)
This species is native to the southwestern United States and grows in brush, woodland, and dry mountain sloped habitats. It is a perennial herbaceous plant that reaches up to 16 inches tall and 32 inches wide at maturity. Leaves are green and fleshy, and flowers are magenta or cream-colored and bloom in leaf axils in groups of five to nine. 

Mirabilis coccinea (Scarlet Four O'Clock)
This species is native to the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, They can reach up to two feet tall and produce deep red flowers that open during the nighttime hours. Plants prefer to grow in washes, plains, and on rocky slopes. 

Mirabilis expansa (Mauka, Chago)
These plants are cultivated as a root vegetable in the Andes Mountains, and is one of the most important crop species in that area. It is also cultivated in South America. Plants have received a lot of attention for their ability to grow in conditions that don't favor other root vegetable crops.

Mirabilis jalapa (Four O'Clock, Marvel of Peru)
This species grows best in zones 4-24, H1 and H2 as a perennial plant. It is native to Peru, and reaches 3-4 feet tall and just as wide. They bloom in a variety of colors, including white, red, pink, and yellow. The blossoms are fragrant at night, and several different colored blooms may appear on the same plant. Variety 'Jingles' has flowers splashed with different colors.

Mirabilis laevis (Mirabilis califonica) (Wishbone Bush, Desert Wishbone Bush)
This species is native to the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. Flowers are typically pink to purplish, and reaches a height of about 2 feet when mature.

Mirabilis longiflora (Sweet Four O'Clock, Long-Flowered Four O'Clock)
This species is native to the southwestern United States and northern areas of Mexico. Flowers open in the late afternoon hours, and bloom through the night. These tender perennials reach 5 feet tall and produce white to pinkish flowers with reddish throats on thin stems. 

Mirabilis macfarlanei (MacFarlane's Four O'Clock)
This species is native to Idaho and Oregon, and grows in river canyon landscapes. These perennial plants form rounded clumps of foliage and a taproot that can reach down into the soil 8 feet deep. Flowers are pink to magenta in color, and are pollinated by bumblebees.

Mirabilis multiflora (Colorado Four O'Clock, Desert Four O'Clock)
These plants are native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, and produce a perennial herb that reaches about 30 inches tall when mature. Flowers are magenta to purple-pink in color, and bloom in leaf axils on upper branches. ​best in zones 1-3, 7-16 and 18-24

Mirabilis nyctaginea (Wild Four O'Clock, Hearleaf Four O'Clock, Heartleaf Umbrella Wort)
This species of Mirabilis is native to the central United States and reaches about three feet tall when mature. Flowers are magenta in color, opening for only a few hours before dropping from the plant. This leaves behind greenish-white papery bracts.

Caring for Mirabilis

Sow seeds in fall or spring.

Propagation

Problems and Pests

Gallery
A field of thea sinensis
Camellia hiemalis 'Shishi Gashira'

Videos

A video all about growing camellias successfully
Propagating camellias

Resources

Wikipedia: Mirabilis (plant)
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 444, Mirabilis
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