Sweet Four O’Clock
(Mirabilis longiflora)
Sweet Four O’Clock (Mirabilis longiflora)
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F. D. Richards
CC BY-SA 2.0
Image By:
F. D. Richards
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Copyright:
CC BY-SA 2.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: F. D. Richards | License Type: CC BY-SA 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/2.0/ | Uploader: F. D. Richards | Publisher: Flickr |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Mirabilis longiflora, commonly known as Sweet Four O’Clock, is a deciduous perennial herb native to the semi-arid regions and open woodlands of the Southwestern United States and Mexico. This plant typically grows to a height and width of 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters), featuring a bushy habit with elongated, trumpet-shaped flowers that are highly fragrant, especially in the evening. The flowers are predominantly white with pinkish hues and bloom prolifically from late spring to early fall, attracting pollinators such as hummingbirds and moths.
Sweet Four O’Clock is valued for its ease of maintenance and the sweet fragrance of its flowers, which can perfume an entire garden area. It is often used in borders, as a specimen plant, or in night gardens where its evening fragrance can be appreciated. This plant thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers well-drained soils. While it tolerates low water conditions, moderate watering promotes optimal growth. It is not known for any significant disease problems, but it can self-seed vigorously, which may be considered invasive in some areas. Gardeners should be aware of its potential to spread and manage it accordingly.CC BY-SA 4.0
Sweet Four O’Clock is valued for its ease of maintenance and the sweet fragrance of its flowers, which can perfume an entire garden area. It is often used in borders, as a specimen plant, or in night gardens where its evening fragrance can be appreciated. This plant thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers well-drained soils. While it tolerates low water conditions, moderate watering promotes optimal growth. It is not known for any significant disease problems, but it can self-seed vigorously, which may be considered invasive in some areas. Gardeners should be aware of its potential to spread and manage it accordingly.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 2-3 feet
- Width: 2-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: White, Pink
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Low, Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Fragrant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Semi-arid regions and open woodlands
Other Names
Common Names: Longtube Four O’Clock, Trumpetunderblomma
Scientific Names: , Mirabilis longiflora, Mirabilis longiflora var. wrightiana, Mirabilis wrightiana, Mirabilis longiflora var. longiflora, Mirabilis tubiflora, Nyctago longiflora, Jalapa longiflora, Mirabilis wrightiana var. tubiflora,
GBIF Accepted Name: Mirabilis longiflora L.