Native to the southwestern U.S., California, and Mexico, wild four o’clocks cover themselves with hundreds of purple-pink, petunia-like blooms that open in unison in the afternoon or in the morning on cloudy days. Their musky fragrance attracts their primary pollinator, the hawkmoth. Grow in a border. xeric garden, or rock garden.
Noteworthy CharacteristicsAbundant, fragrant flowers. U.S. native.
CareGrow in full sun and most any well-drained soil. Likes heat and needs little water once established.
PropagationBest started from seed, as it has a very long taproot. Soak seeds in warm water before sowing.
ProblemsRusts, leaf spot.
Fine Gardening Recommended Products
Pruning Simplified: A Step-by-Step Guide to 50 Popular Trees and Shrubs
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
RAINPOINT Sprinkler Timer with Brass Swivel
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
D&X Garden Sprinkler
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
- Genus : Mirabilis
- Plant Height : 1 to 3 feet
- Zones : 10, 8, 9
- Plant Width : 3 to 6 feet
- Moisture : Dry to Medium
- Bloom Time : Early Summer, Late Summer, Summer
- Characteristics : Fragrant Flowers
- Light : Full Sun to Partial Shade
- Maintenance : Moderate
- Plant Type : Perennials
- Flower Color : Pink
- Plant Seasonal Interest : Summer Interest
Plant Characteristics are only available to Fine Gardening members
Sign up for a free trial and get instant access to our complete plant guide as well as our entire collection of articles and videos.
