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Mirabilis nyctaginea

Also Known As

  • Heartleaf Four O'Clock
  • Wild Four O'Clock

Plant type

perennial

size

  • H: 24"-36"
  • W: 36"-48"

planting zones

  • 3a-11

More Options

Mirabilis nyctaginea plant details

Mirabilis nyctaginea is a broadleaf deciduous perennial with green foliage. In summer magenta flowers emerge. Attracts bees, beneficial insects, butterflies and hummingbirds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and regular - occasional water. Does well in average, gritty, lean and rocky soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant and humidity tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Mirabilis nyctaginea

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: nyctaginaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 36 IN - 48 IN - wide, 24 IN - 36 IN - tall
Flowers: magenta blooms in summer
Uses: container plant, cottage garden, heart-shaped leaves, long-blooming, potentially invasive, rock garden, self-sowing

GROWING CONDITIONS for Mirabilis nyctaginea

USDA Zones: 3a - 11
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: regular - occasional
Resistant to: deer, heat and humidity
Soil needs: average, gritty, lean and rocky

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

The Wild Four o'Clock produce clusters of magenta, or occasionally pink to yellow or white, 1/2" wide, funnel-shaped flowers that open in the late afternoon and remain open until early morning. It is a bushy spreading to rounded plant with rich green foliage. The bracts from which the flower clusters emerge may age to pink or lavender and are long lasting providing interest long after the flowers have faded. The flowers of this truly cold hardy Wild Four O'Clock are pollinated by bees, moths, and hummingbirds. A drought and deer resistant tap-rooted perennial that is typically found on poor, well-drained, often sandy soils in the western half of the US. Readily reseeds. Mirabilis nyctaginea is considered invasive in some areas and has been classified as a noxious weed in Washington state and possibly in other non-native areas. Its ability to withstand pesticide applications have made it a crop pest in some areas. The Wild Four O'Clock's ability to flower for much of summer as well as providing pollen and nectar make this plant an important component of its native habitat.

Gardening facts about Mirabilis nyctaginea plant

How to Grow Mirabilis nyctaginea

  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • lean
    • rocky
    • gritty
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant
    • humidity tolerant
  • Water Needs

    • regular - occasional
  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly sun

Features

  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous
  • Wildlife

    • beneficial insects
    • bees
    • butterflies
    • hummingbirds
    • deer resistant
  • Flower Color

    • magenta
  • Flower Season

    • summer
  • Foliage Color

    • green
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