Marvel of Peru (Mirabilis jalapa)

Marvel of Peru

Features and Characteristics

Mirabilis jalapa, commonly called four-o-clock or marvel of Peru, is native to Peru. It is a bushy tender perennial that typically grows to 24-36” (less frequently to 48”) tall on erect, branching stems. It is an old garden favorite that features fragrant, funnel-shaped, tubular flowers (2” long) with five flaring petal-like lobes. Flowers blooms from early/mid-summer to fall. Flowers come in pink, rose, red, magenta, yellow and white, sometimes with interesting mottling and striping. Different colored flowers often appear on the same plant. Flowers open in the late afternoon (around four o’clock) and stay open only until the following morning. Flowers are attractive to hummingbirds. Ovate dark green leaves (to 4” long) are heart-shaped at the base. All parts of this plant are poisonous if ingested.

Genus name is a Latin word meaning wonderful.

Specific epithet means of Jalapa, Veracruz, Mexico.

Care and Maintenance

Tuberous rooted tender perennial that is winter hardy to USDA Zones 9-1 In St. Louis, it is usually grown as a warm weather annual, though tubers may be dug in fall. It is easily grown in average, consistently moist, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade.

Tolerates a wide range of soils. Sow seed directly in the garden after last frost date, or start seed indoors 6-8 weeks earlier. Set out seedlings, purchased plants/tubers or overwintered tubers after last frost date. Tuberous roots may be dug in fall and stored overwinter in a barely moist medium in a cool dry corner of the basement or frost-free garage. The main advantage to digging the tubers is that plants tend to flower much better from established roots. Plants may self-seed in optimum growing conditions and have escaped gardens and naturalized in parts of the southern United States.

Marvel of Peru (Mirabilis jalapa) Requirements

Hardiness zone	9 - 11
Sun light	Full sun to part shade
Water	Medium
Maintenance	Low

Common Problems

No serious insect or disease problems.

Uses

Attractive in groups or as a single specimen in mixed borders or beds. Patio containers. Annual hedge, though this usage was perhaps more popular in Victorian times than today.

Marvel of Peru (Mirabilis jalapa) Details

Common name	Marvel of Peru
Botanical name	Mirabilis jalapa
Plant type	Herbaceous perennial
Family	Nyctaginaceae
Hardiness zone	9 - 11
Water	Medium
Maintenance	Low
Flower color	Pink, rose, red, magenta, yellow, white
Flowering period	June - frost
Height	2 - 3 ft.
Width	2 - 3 ft.