Narrowleaf Four O’Clock
(Mirabilis linearis)
Narrowleaf Four O’Clock (Mirabilis linearis)
/
/
Cecelia Alexander
Public Domain
Image By:
Cecelia Alexander
Recorded By:
Copyright:
Public Domain
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Cecelia Alexander | License Type: Public Domain | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/ | Rights Holder: Cecelia Alexander | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2019-09-22T15:07:37Z |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Mirabilis linearis, commonly known as Narrowleaf Four O’Clock, is a deciduous perennial subshrub or herb native to the Great Plains and desert regions of North America, from central Canada through the United States to northern Mexico. It typically grows to a height and width of 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters). This plant is characterized by its narrow, linear leaves and its trumpet-shaped flowers, which come in a variety of colors including purple, red, pink, and white. The flowers are most notable for their habit of opening in the late afternoon and closing by morning, hence the common name. Flowering occurs in the summer and fall, and the blooms are quite showy, attracting pollinators such as hummingbirds and moths.
Narrowleaf Four O’Clock is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor, well-drained soils, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and rock gardens. It is also used in border plantings and as a ground cover. This plant prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade. It requires low amounts of water once established, reflecting its adaptation to arid environments. While generally low-maintenance, it can self-seed prolifically, which may be considered invasive in some areas. Gardeners should be aware of its potential to spread but can manage this by deadheading spent flowers to prevent seed formation.CC BY-SA 4.0
Narrowleaf Four O’Clock is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor, well-drained soils, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and rock gardens. It is also used in border plantings and as a ground cover. This plant prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade. It requires low amounts of water once established, reflecting its adaptation to arid environments. While generally low-maintenance, it can self-seed prolifically, which may be considered invasive in some areas. Gardeners should be aware of its potential to spread but can manage this by deadheading spent flowers to prevent seed formation.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Subshrub, Herb
- Height: 1.5-2.5 feet
- Width: 1.5-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Purple, Red, Pink, White
- Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Fragrant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Great Plains and desert regions of North America
Other Names
Common Names: Linear-Leaved Four-O’Clock, Linear-Leaved Umbrellawort, Narrow-Leaved Four-O’Clock, Narrow-Leaved Umbrellawort, Nyctage À Feuilles Linéaires
Scientific Names: , Mirabilis linearis, Oxybaphus linearis, Oxybaphus angustifolius, Allionia linearis, Mirabilis decumbens, Mirabilis angustifolia, Oxybaphus decumbens, Allionia diffusa, Mirabilis diffusa
GBIF Accepted Name: Mirabilis linearis (Pursh) Heimerl