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Fall 2023 Shipping Schedule: 3/1/2024
Four O'Clocks are pollinator magnets for your summer garden. Pollinators are a vital part of life on planet Earth since they pollinate most flowering plants for them to reproduce. Pollinators do this by transferring pollen from bloom to bloom. Pollinators have been in decline in recent years due to habitat loss and disease. Mirabilis provides shelter and food for native pollinators to thrive and survive. It is surprisingly easy and lots of fun for you and your family to attract them to your garden to provide spectacular entertainment! Please help to sustain the pollinator populations by planting asclepias and other pollinator magnets.
About this Variety
This Mirabilis Jalapa Mix grows and flowers abundantly in the summer garden. The blooms open late in the afternoon or evening, hence its common name Four O'Clock. Available in a range of colors, Four O'Clocks sport fragrant blooms that attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Uniquely different flower colors can appear on a single stem in some varieties. Four O'Clocks are an old garden favorite and are attractive in groups or as a single specimen in mixed borders or beds. They also perform well in patio containers. This mix consists of white, pink, purple, red and yellow colors.
Highlights
- Deer & critter resistant
- Beneficial to pollinators; attracts bees, butterflies and hummingbirds
- Easy to grow; low maintenance
- Fragrant, showy blooms
- Grows well in containers, mixed borders and garden beds
Exposure:
Full sun to partial shade
Blooms:
Summer to frost
Height:
Grows 24-48" tall
Spacing/Depth:
Plant 18-24" apart, 3-4" deep
USDA Zones:
Grow as Perennial in zones 7-11, Grow as Annual elsewhere.
Growing Instructions
Plant Mirabilis jalapa outdoors in spring after all danger of frost has passed in a full sun to partially shaded location. The ideal soil is rich and porous and drains well, yet still holds enough water for the roots. If your soil is heavy clay and drains slowly, or very sandy and does not hold water, add organic soil amendments like peat moss or ground bark. Spread a 3-4 inch layer of soil amendment if needed and incorporate into the soil to a depth of 10 inches. Plant roots 2-3" deep and 12-18" apart depending on type. Cover with soil. Water thoroughly at planting. While actively growing, water frequently and thoroughly so that water will reach roots. Mulch to keep the soil cool and to prevent the soil from drying out. Fertilize during growing period. Remove foliage after it has completely yellowed and died back.
Care Tip
Mirabilis jalapa benefit from over wintering in non hardy zones since the plants tend to flower more from established roots. Plant with other pollinator-loving bulbs and perennials to create an oasis for bees, butterflies and hummingbirds