Mirabilis Jalapa
Mirabilis jalapa
Mirabilis jalapa is a beloved old-fashioned garden plant from tropical South America, famous for its intensely fragrant, trumpet-shaped blooms that open in the late afternoon and last through the night. It symbolizes wonder, timelessness, and the magic of twilight, and can display multiple colors simultaneously on the same plant.
Nyctaginaceae (Four O'Clock family)
Summer through autumn (July to October); flowers open in the mid to late afternoon (usually around 4 pm) and close by morning
Symbolism & Meanings
Key Meanings
Perfect For
Color Meanings
Similar flowers: cactus (prickly pear)s and hibiscuss also share similar meanings.
Cultural Significance
The genus name Mirabilis comes from the Latin mirabilis, meaning wonderful or marvelous, and few plants live up to their name so completely. Early European explorers who brought the plant back from Peru in the 16th century were so astonished by its multi-colored blooms appearing simultaneously on one plant that they called it "Marvel of Peru" and "Marvel of the World." In Aztec culture the plant was cultivated for centuries for medicinal and ornamental purposes. In Greece it is called nychtolouloudo meaning "night flower," while in Bangladesh it is called sandhyamalati or "evening flower." In the Victorian language of flowers it was associated with timidity, reflecting the retiring habit of its blooms opening only in the late afternoon and closing by morning. Its remarkable genetics, where flowers displaying incomplete dominance can produce a wide range of colors including stripes, sectors, and flakes on a single plant, made it scientifically important: it was used by the German botanist Carl Correns in early 20th-century research on cytoplasmic inheritance, helping expand the understanding of genetics beyond classical Mendelian theory.Shop Our Floral Collection
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Physical Characteristics
Natural Habitat
Growing Guide
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; blooms in both, but flowers better and earlier in a sunny position
Water
Moderate; drought tolerant in warm climates once the tuberous root is established; prefers consistent moisture for best flowering
Soil
Moist but well-drained, Moderately fertile, Humus-rich, Tolerates average to poor soils, Neutral to slightly alkaline
Expert Growing Tips
Sow seeds directly outdoors after all frost risk has passed, or start indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date; soaking seeds overnight speeds germination
Plant near porches, paths, or seating areas to enjoy the sweet evening fragrance; the scent is released as flowers open in late afternoon
In Zones 7-10, the large tuberous roots can be left in the ground over winter and will regrow reliably in spring; in colder zones dig and store tubers like dahlias
Deadhead spent blooms regularly to promote continuous flowering; the plant self-seeds freely and can naturalize in warm gardens
Different colored flowers can and often do appear simultaneously on the same plant, or even on the same stem, making it a living conversation piece
Uses & Benefits
Ornamental Uses
- Cottage garden and informal border fillers
- Fragrant evening and night garden plantings
- Annual hedges and temporary screens when planted closely
- Container planting for patios and decks where evening fragrance can be enjoyed
- Hummingbird and moth pollinator gardens
Traditional Uses
- The roots were used by Aztec and other indigenous peoples for medicinal purposes including as a purgative and to treat inflammatory skin conditions; the root is toxic and not recommended for home use
- The flower extract contains betaxanthin pigments and can function as a natural pH indicator in chemistry; a red-dye extract from the flowers was historically used to color food in South America and Asia
Disclaimer: Information provided is for educational purposes only. Consult healthcare professionals before using any plant medicinally.
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions about the Mirabilis Jalapa
Why do four o'clock flowers open so late in the day?
Mirabilis jalapa opens its flowers in the late afternoon, usually around 4 pm, because it is pollinated primarily by sphinx moths and other long-tongued nocturnal insects that are most active at dusk and during the night. This timing also attracts hummingbirds in the evening hours. The flowers release their sweet fragrance as they open.
Why can four o'clock plants have multiple flower colors on the same plant?
Four o'clock flowers exhibit incomplete dominance in their color genetics, meaning neither the red nor white color gene completely dominates the other, producing a range of intermediate pinks and bicolors. Genetic sectors and mutations can cause stripes, spots, and different color zones on individual flowers or across the plant, resulting in the remarkable variety often seen simultaneously on one specimen.
Are four o'clock flowers toxic?
Yes, all parts of Mirabilis jalapa are considered toxic, particularly the roots and seeds, which contain alkaloids. Ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. The plant should be kept away from children and pets, and handled with care, washing hands after contact.
Do four o'clock plants come back every year?
In warm climates (USDA Zones 7-10), the large tuberous roots survive in the ground and the plant returns reliably each spring, essentially behaving as a perennial. In colder climates, the tubers can be dug up in autumn and stored frost-free indoors like dahlia tubers, then replanted the following spring.
What does Mirabilis jalapa smell like?
The flowers of Mirabilis jalapa release a sweet, complex fragrance in the evening, often described as a blend of floral, vanilla, and citrus notes. The scent is strongest in the evening when the flowers are fully open and is designed to attract nocturnal moth pollinators.
Available Colors
Quick Facts
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