Photo of Mirabilis jalapa flower by Leafari

Photo by Leafari

Used with permission, all rights reserved

Show all photos

Mirabilis jalapa

Also Known As

  • Marabilis jalapa
  • Four O'Clocks
  • Marvel of Peru

Plant type

perennial, bulb / corm / tuber

size

  • H: 30"
  • W: 24"

planting zones

  • 9a-11

More Options

Mirabilis jalapa plant details

Mirabilis jalapa is a broadleaf deciduous perennial bulb / corm / tuber with green foliage. In summer apricot, magenta, pink, red and yellow flowers emerge. Attracts bees and hummingbirds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - bright shade and regular water. Does well in average and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Mirabilis jalapa

Plant type: perennial bulb / corm / tuber
Plant family: nyctaginaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 24 IN wide, 30 IN tall
Flowers: apricot, magenta, pink, red and yellow blooms in summer
Uses: cottage garden, easy-to-grow, fragrant, long-blooming, self-sowing

GROWING CONDITIONS for Mirabilis jalapa

USDA Zones: 9a - 11
Sun exposure: sun - bright shade
Watering frequency: regular
Soil needs: average and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Success for the asking . . . these bushy garden plants are easy, bright, fun and fragrant. Marvel of Peru produces half-dollar size flowers in a variety of neon colors all on the same plant; some flowers are half one color and half another. Neat trick! The blooms open late in the day, hence the common name of "4 O'clocks" and the flowers emit a delightful scent. The bushes grow 30-40" in a season and attract birds, hummingbirds and butterflies. And the seeds create offspring if you choose to let them grow where they pop up. Why Grow Marvel of Peru? Super low maintenance; easy care Bloom from late June through fall Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies Plant Marvel of Peru in a sunny to mostly sunny spot where there's nothing much happening now; out by the garage, along the back alley, by the neighbor's fence, next to the dog run . . . anywhere a little color, hummingbirds and fragrance would add to your summer enjoyment.

By: Leafari

Gardening facts about Mirabilis jalapa plant

How to Grow Mirabilis jalapa

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - bright shade
  • Water Needs

    • regular
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • pink
    • red
    • apricot
    • yellow
    • magenta
  • Wildlife

    • bees
    • hummingbirds
  • Flower Season

    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous
Mailing List
Sign Up for updates on new plant arrivals and deals

© 2010—2024 Plant Lust, LLC All Rights Reserved