Mirabilis jalapa

The Four O'Clock Flower, known as Mirabilis Jalapa in Latin, grows rapidly from a black root that resembles a salsify. In the span of one season, the plant forms a lovely bush that blooms from July to October. This mix consists of several varieties with various colours. The flowers of the Four O'Clock Flower, pleasantly fragrant in the evening, open in cloudy weather or in the late afternoon. They are tender perennials, but easy to grow, and are often treated as annuals outside of mild regions. A semi-shaded or even shaded exposure allows you to enjoy the flowers even during the day. Create beautiful flower pots with these Marvels of Peru! Sold in packs of 10 bulbs in various colours.

Mirabilis jalapa, or Marvel of Peru, is a herbaceous perennial plant in the family Nyctaginaceae, native to dry tropical regions of Central and South America, such as Guatemala, Mexico, Chile, and Peru. It develops a large tuberous black root, which has traditional medicinal uses in various regions of the world.

The Four O'Clock Flower is a herbaceous perennial plant that reaches a height of 70-80cm (28-32in), sometimes more, and occupies a ground area of 40 to 60cm (16 to 24in). It is not very hardy, but its rapid growth allows it to be cultivated as an annual. Under our climates, it disappears in winter, blooms from June to October, but in the tropics, it is perennial and blooms all year round. The funnel-shaped flowers come in different colours including pink, red, yellow, and white. The flowers open in the evening and close the next day when the sun hits them. They emit a sweet fragrance from dusk until the middle of the night. This particular characteristic gave the plant its name Four O'Clock Flower: its fragrant flowers have fluorescent pigments that create patterns on the corolla and attract pollinating sphinx moths. The black fruit appears at the base of the flower once it has fallen. The dichotomous stems are solid, quadrangular, fleshy, green to reddish, thickened at the nodes, and bear opposite ovate or slightly cordate leaves, bright green, lighter on limestone soil and in full sun.

You will plant the Four O'Clock Flower roots upright, with the top covered by 7cm (3in). They are used in flower beds, at the base of east-facing walls, along a path, or near a porch, to be able to enjoy the flowers. They are quite difficult to combine, so they are most often planted in groups to create multicoloured flower beds that bloom for four months. They also grow very well in large, deep pots, taking care of watering and fertilizing. In mild areas, especially by the coast, you can leave the bulbs in the ground. The Four O'Clock Flower can be grown like a dahlia, and its tuber can be overwintered frost-free in a sandy mix.