Four o'clock flower Mirabilis jalapa
Four o'clock flower (Mirabilis jalapa) is a deciduous perennial flowering plant in the Nyctaginaceae family, native to Tropical South America (Peru) and Mexico. It grows 60 cm–1 m (24 in–3.3 ft) tall and 50–90 cm (20–35 in) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -12 °C (10 °F). Space plants about 60 cm (24 in) apart.
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Four o'clock flower at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Nyctaginaceae |
| Mature height | 60 cm–1 m (24 in–3.3 ft) |
| Mature spread | 50–90 cm (20–35 in) |
| Spacing | 60 cm (24 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -12 °C (10 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 8) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 36 °C (97 °F) |
| Flowering | from about July for 13–19 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Tropical South America (Peru) and Mexico |
| Common in gardens of | 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇵🇪 Peru, 🇧🇷 Brazil |
Is Four o'clock flower toxic?
- People: moderately toxic
- Cats: moderately toxic
- Dogs: moderately toxic
- Parts: seeds, roots, tubers
Seeds and roots contain trigonelline and other irritants that cause vomiting and diarrhoea if eaten.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Four o'clock flower
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Four o'clock flower
- How far apart should I plant Four o'clock flower?
- About 60 cm (24 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 50–90 cm (20–35 in).
- Does Four o'clock flower need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Four o'clock flower need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Four o'clock flower?
- It tolerates about -12 °C (10 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 8.
- When does Four o'clock flower flower?
- From about July for 13–19 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Four o'clock flower poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is moderately toxic; for dogs moderately toxic; for people moderately toxic. Seeds and roots contain trigonelline and other irritants that cause vomiting and diarrhoea if eaten.
- What grows well with Four o'clock flower?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Four o'clock flower. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- USDA PLANTS Database, USDA NRCS
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
- Tuberous perennial, hardy to about zone 7; in colder gardens tubers are lifted or it is grown as an annual. Flowers open in the late afternoon and self-seeds freely.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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