Four O'clocks, Marvel of Peru ( Mirabilis )

Broken Colors Four O Clocks is a fascinating Mirabilis variety known for its wonderfully unpredictable flowers in streaked, splashed, striped, and speckled patterns. Blooms may appear in combinations of yellow, pink, rose, orange, red, white, and mixed marbled tones, often with several different flower patterns appearing on the same plant. The flowers open in the late afternoon and evening, giving this old-fashioned garden favorite its familiar name, Four O Clock.

Garden Uses:
Broken Colors Four O Clocks are excellent for cottage gardens, evening gardens, borders, foundation plantings, patio containers, and large porch planters. Their colorful flowers and lush green foliage create a full, tropical-looking mound during summer. Because the blooms open later in the day, they are especially enjoyable near patios, porches, walkways, and sitting areas where their evening display can be appreciated.

Growing Information:
Sow seeds directly outdoors after danger of frost has passed, or start indoors 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost. Soaking seeds overnight before planting can help speed germination. Plant seeds about 1/4 inch deep in warm, well-drained soil. Germination usually occurs in 7-14 days at temperatures of 70-80°F. Plants grow best in full sun to partial shade and typically reach 18-36 inches tall, depending on climate and soil fertility. Water regularly until established; mature plants are fairly tolerant of summer heat and short dry periods.

• Botanical Name: Mirabilis jalapa
• Common Name: Broken Colors Four O Clocks
• Plant Type: Annual; tender perennial in warm climates
• Height: 18-36 inches
• Spread: 18-30 inches
• Bloom Color: Mixed pink, yellow, orange, red, white, striped, speckled, and marbled forms
• Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Well-drained garden soil
• Germination Time: 7-14 days
• Bloom Season: Summer to frost
• Attracts: Moths, hummingbirds, bees, butterflies, beneficial insects

Salmon Sunset Four O Clock is a beautiful Mirabilis variety prized for its warm, glowing blooms in soft salmon, peach, coral, apricot, and sunset-pink shades. The flowers open each afternoon and remain fresh through the evening, creating a colorful display when many other garden flowers are beginning to close. Combined with lush green foliage and vigorous growth, Salmon Sunset brings a tropical appearance and old-fashioned charm to flower beds, borders, and containers throughout the summer months.

Garden Uses:
Salmon Sunset Four O Clocks are excellent for cottage gardens, evening gardens, mixed borders, patio containers, and large landscape plantings. Their warm flower colors blend beautifully with marigolds, zinnias, salvias, cosmos, and ornamental grasses. The plants make attractive background specimens in annual beds and are especially effective near patios and walkways where their late-day blooms can be appreciated up close.

Growing Information:
Sow seeds directly outdoors after all danger of frost has passed, or start indoors 4-6 weeks before planting time. Soaking seeds overnight before sowing may improve germination. Plant seeds about 1/4 inch deep in well-drained soil and maintain temperatures of 70-80°F for best results. Germination generally occurs within 7-14 days. Plants grow best in full sun but tolerate light afternoon shade in hotter climates. Mature plants typically reach 24-36 inches tall and form broad, bushy mounds covered with blooms throughout the growing season.

• Botanical Name: Mirabilis jalapa
• Common Name: Salmon Sunset Four O Clock
• Plant Type: Annual; tender perennial in warm climates
• Height: 24-36 inches
• Spread: 18-30 inches
• Bloom Color: Salmon, peach, coral, apricot, and sunset-pink shades
• Light Requirements: Full sun to light shade
• Soil: Well-drained garden soil
• Germination Time: 7-14 days
• Bloom Season: Summer until frost
• Attracts: Hummingbirds, butterflies, bees, moths, beneficial insects