Mirabilis jalapa, the marvel of Peru or four o'clock flower, is a commonly grown ornamental species of Mirabilis plant, and is available in a range of colours. Mirabilis in Latin means wonderful and Jalapa is the state capital of Veracruz in México.
Mirabilis jalapa, commonly called four-o-clock or marvel of Peru, is native to Peru. It is a bushy tender perennial that typically grows to 24-36” (less frequently to 48”) tall on erect, branching stems. It is an old garden favorite that features fragrant, funnel-shaped, tubular flowers (2” long) with five flaring petal-like lobes. Flowers blooms from early/mid-summer to fall. Flowers come in pink, rose, red, magenta, yellow and white, sometimes with interesting mottling and striping. Different colored flowers often appear on the same plant. Flowers open in the late afternoon (around four o’clock) and stay open only until the following morning. Flowers are attractive to hummingbirds. Ovate dark green leaves (to 4” long) are heart-shaped at the base. All parts of this plant are poisonous if ingested. Genus name is a Latin word meaning wonderful. Specific epithet means of Jalapa, Veracruz, Mexico.
