Marvel of Peru

Perennial

Mirabilis jalapa

Marvel of Peru

A bushy tuberous perennial whose fragrant trumpet flowers in mixed colours open each afternoon.

  • Full sun
  • 0.5–1 m (2–3 ft)
  • 0.5–1 m (2–3 ft)
  • H3 · Zone 9
  • July–October
  • Deciduous

Overview

Marvel of Peru, also called four o'clock flower, is a bushy plant with fragrant trumpet flowers in magenta, red, yellow or white, often streaked or bicoloured, that open in late afternoon and close the next morning.

The tubers are hardy to about −5°C (23°F) under a dry mulch, USDA zones 8–10. It is perennial in warm climates and grown as an annual elsewhere, flowering the first year from seed. It loves hot summers and can self-seed heavily in warm regions.

Grow in sun in well-drained soil. Moths and, in the Americas, hummingbirds visit the evening flowers.

At a Glance

Sun Full sun
Height 0.5–1 m (2–3 ft)
Spread 0.5–1 m (2–3 ft)
Hardiness H3 · Zone 9
Flowers July–October
Soil Chalk, Loam, Sand
Moisture Moist well drained
Habit Rounded
Water Moderate
Maintenance Easy

Growing Conditions

Min. Temperature -5°C (23°F)
pH Range 6–7.5
Fertility Average
Drainage Free Draining

Aspect Suitability

  • South-facing

Soil Tolerance

  • Chalk
  • Sandy
  • Loam
  • Acid
  • Neutral pH
  • Alkaline

Foliage

Persistence Deciduous
Colour Green
Leaf shape / texture ovate

Foliage interest: June–October

Seasonal Timeline

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Flowering
Foliage
Fruiting
Propagate
  • Flowering Jul Aug Sep Oct
  • Foliage Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct
  • Fruiting Sep Oct
  • Propagate Mar Apr

How to propagate

One way to grow more Marvel of Peru:

Division Apr Easy

You'll need: Spade or sharp knife

  1. Pot or plant stored tubers as growth starts
  2. Cut large tubers so each piece has a bud
  3. Plant out after frost
How long
1 hour
It's worked when
high
Then
Water in well and keep moist while new roots form.

Soak seed overnight and sow in warmth; divide or replant stored tubers in spring.

Maintenance Calendar

  • Mar Sow seed in warmth
  • May Plant out tubers or young plants after your last frost
  • Jul Water in dry spells
  • Oct Lift tubers after frost blackens the foliage and store dry and frost-free
  • Nov Or leave in ground under a dry mulch in mild gardens

Garden Design

Works well in: Cottage, Tropical / Exotic

Flowers open in late afternoon in mixed colours, often several on one plant. Plant by a patio for evening fragrance.

Companion planting: Cannas, Dahlias, Nicotianas, Salvias

Wildlife Value

  • Moths
  • Night-scented for moths

Safety

  • Toxic to humans
  • Toxic to dogs
  • Toxic to cats
  • Skin irritant

Roots and seeds are harmful if eaten, causing stomach upset. Handling roots may irritate skin. Self-seeds freely and is weedy in warm climates.