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Planting Instructions by Flower Name
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At-A-Glance:
- Hardy Zones: 7-10
- Spacing: 15-18"
- Height: 36-48"
- Blooms: Summer
- Planting Depth: 1-2"
Full Sun
Partial Shade
Deer resistant
Fragrant
Four O'Clocks Mixture
Mirabilis jalapa
About:
Four O’Clocks, also known as Marvel of Peru, are in their own family, Nyctaginaceae, and are native to the tropical Americas. The fragrant, trumpet shaped flowers open in late afternoon and die by the following morning, replaced by new flowers. Colors include yellow, red, white, orange and violet; interestingly, flowers of different colors may be found simultaneously on the same plant. The fragrant blooms attract hummingbirds, butterflies and moths. All parts of the plant are poisonous—do not ingest.
Planting:
Plant the tubers 1-2” deep and 15-18” apart in a sunny spot in well-draining soil. Water well.
Maintenance:
Fertilize in the spring with a well-balanced fertilizer. When needed, water in the morning if possible to prevent fungal diseases.
Over-wintering:
Four O’Clocks are only hardy in USDA zones 7-10. In zones 7 and 8, mulch heavily in the fall for added winter protection. In colder zones, treat the plants as annuals or dig up the tubers and store for next year. Dig after the first light fall frost and store in barely damp vermiculite, peat moss or sand in a cool, dry place (40-50°F). Four O’Clocks may also self seed, even in colder climates.
