Home / Guides / Plant Files / Nyctaginaceae

Four O'Clock, Marvel of Peru 'Alba'

Mirabilisjalapa

Upload Image Print Article
Mirabilis jalapa by LilyLover_UT
Upload Image Print Article
Family
Nyctaginaceae (nyk-taj-i-NAY-see-ee)
Info
Genus
Mirabilis (mih-RAB-ih-liss)
Info
Species
jalapa (juh-LAP-a)
Info
Synonym
Mirabilis jalapa subsp. lindheimeri
Mirabilis lindheimeri
Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Foliage
Herbaceous
Smooth
Height
36-48 in. (90-120 cm)
Spacing
12-15 in. (30-38 cm)
15-18 in. (38-45 cm)
Hardiness
USDA Zone 7b: to -14.9 °C (5 °F)
USDA Zone 8a: to -12.2 °C (10 °F)
USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 °C (15 °F)
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)
USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 °C (40 °F)
Danger
Seed is poisonous if ingested
Parts of plant are poisonous if ingested
Bloom Color
White/Near White
Bloom Time
Mid Summer
Late Summer/Early Fall
Other Details
Category
Annuals
Perennials
Water Requirements
Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater
Foliage Color

Unknown - Tell us

Where to Grow

Unknown - Tell us

Bloom Characteristics
This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds
Flowers are fragrant
Bloom Size

Unknown - Tell us

Other details
May be a noxious weed or invasive
Soil pH requirements
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)
Patent Information
Non-patented
Propagation Methods
From seed; sow indoors before last frost
From seed; direct sow after last frost
Self-sows freely; deadhead if you do not want volunteer seedlings next season
Seed Collecting
Allow seedheads to dry on plants; remove and collect seeds
Properly cleaned, seed can be successfully stored
Regional

This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:

Brandon, Florida

Zephyrhills, Florida

Derby, Kansas

Barbourville, Kentucky

Halifax, Massachusetts

Rochester, New York

Greensboro, North Carolina

Mount Orab, Ohio

Hulbert, Oklahoma

North Augusta, South Carolina

Austin, Texas

Brazoria, Texas

Garland, Texas

Missouri City, Texas

Ogden, Utah

Newport News, Virginia

Meadow Creek, West Virginia

show all
View this plant in a garden
17 members have or want this plant for trade

Featured Videos

Gardener's Notes:

Post Comment
2
positives
0
neutral
0
negative
Sort By:
Post Comment
Sort By:
C
C
careyana
(Carey) Austin, TX (Zone 8b) | June 2011 | positive

It may be our horrible caliche soil here in central Texas, but I have not found this plant to have spread at all. I quite enjoy something...Read More

D
D
DMgardener
(Daniel) Mount Orab, OH (Zone 6b) | December 2008 | positive

The flowers attract large amounts of hawkmoths at night. The flowers also smell wonderful at dusk! The plant get to 3 1/2' high and devel...Read More

Popular Plants
SEE ALL
Iris
Peppers
Hydrangeas
Hostas
Contribute to Dave’s Garden
Add a New Plant to the List
Featured
BUG FILES
Black House Spider
(Badumna insignis)
BIRD FILES
Swamp Sparrow
(Melospiza georgiana)
Quick Links
View All Families
View All Genera
View All Species
Freeze/Frost Dates
PlantFiles FAQ
Plants with no Photos
Contribute to Dave’s Garden
Add a New Plant to the List
Featured
BUG FILES
Black House Spider
(Badumna insignis)
BIRD FILES
Swamp Sparrow
(Melospiza georgiana)