Mirabilis jalapa, Marvel of Peru, is an extremely easy-to-grow plant. These seeds are collected from a pinkish violet flowering strain. It has large attractive foliage and a vigourous fast-growing habit, quickly forming a small tropical-looking and very floriferous bush. The long-throated flowers open late in the afternoon and close again the following morning giving rise to its other name, the Four O'Clock Flower.
It prefers full sun and although it is perfectly capable of going for relatively long periods without water it should be well watered throughout the summer which will encourage its rapid growth and create a lush-looking plant. It develops tough tuberous roots and after the leaves have been hit by the first frosts it is these woody roots that survive through the winter, the foliage growing again herbaceously in the spring.
An easy low-maintenance plant that works well with other flowering exotics.
Seed germinates easily.
Additional Information
Order | Caryophyllales |
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Family | Nyctaginaceae |
Synonyms | Jalapa congesta, Jalapa officinalis, Mirabilis ambigua, Mirabilis pedunculata, Mirabilis planiflora, Mirabilis pubescens, Mirabilis suaveolens, Mirabilis xalapa, Nyctago hortensis, Nyctago jalapae, Nyctago versicolor |
Geographical Origin | South America |
Cultivation | Full sun or partial shade. Tolerant of soil conditions but prefers a well-drained fertile soil. Water well during the growing season. Mulch well when they die down over winter |
Eventual Height | 1m |
Eventual Spread | 1m |
Hardiness | Hardy herbaceous perennial. Its roots survive down to at least -10C and usually lower |
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