Guide to Grow and Care for Four O’Clock Flowers [+Facts, History, and More!]

Four o’clock flowers! These cheerful trumpet-shaped blooms bring vibrant color and delightful fragrance to your garden, especially during the late afternoon and evening hours. 

This plant is surprisingly low-maintenance, making it perfect for newbie gardeners. There’s more to these stunners than just pretty faces! Four o’clocks come with some unexpected perks.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn how to add a touch of whimsical charm to your outdoor space with the four o’clock flower. Plus, we’ll discuss the plant profile besides its history and much more. 

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Four O’Clock: Plant Profile and Facts

Imagine this: you’re relaxing on your patio after a long day, enjoying the cool evening breeze. As the sun dips lower, the air fills with a sweet, honeyed scent. You glance towards your flowerbed and see a spectacle – four o’clock flowers in a riot of colors, unfurling their delicate petals in the fading light. That’s the magic of these charming plants!

Four o’clock flowers (Mirabilis jalapa), also known as False Jalap and Marvel of Peru, are native to the tropical regions of South America. They’re beloved for their vibrant blooms that come in shades of red, pink, yellow, white, and even bi-colored variations. 

True to their name, these fascinating flowers typically open in the late afternoon, around 4 pm, and remain open throughout the night, closing up again the following morning.

Here’s a table with a quick rundown of some interesting facts and characteristics of four o’clocks:

Fact	Description	Interesting Tidbits
Growth Habit	Bushy, upright with sprawling tendencies	Can reach up to 3 feet (0.9 meters) in height and spread 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters) wide.
Flowering Time	Late afternoon/evening (around 4 pm) to the next morning	Captures the essence of their unique late-day blooming habit.
Bloom Time	Spring through summer, until the first frost	Flowers typically last for a single day, but new blooms appear continuously throughout the season.
Height	18-36 inches (46-91 cm)	Can be grown shorter by pinching off stem tips to encourage bushier growth.
Light Preference	Full sun to partial shade	Thrives in at least 6 hours of direct sunlight for optimal blooming.
Soil Preference	Well-draining, moderately fertile soil	Adaptable to various soil types, but prefers slightly sandy or loamy soil for good drainage.
Water Needs	Moderate; drought-tolerant once established	Regular watering during hot, dry periods is recommended. Don’t overwater as it can cause root rot.
Propagation	Seeds or tubers	Self-seeds readily in warm climates, allowing for a new generation of blooms each year.
Toxicity	Mildly toxic**	All parts of the plant are considered mildly toxic and can cause stomach upset if ingested. Keep away from children and pets.
Historical Use	Ornamental and medicinal (in some cultures)	The Aztecs used four o’clocks for various medicinal purposes.
Fragrance	Sweet, honeyed scent	The fragrance is strongest in the evening hours, attracting night pollinators like moths.
USDA Hardiness Zones	7-11	Can survive mild winters with minimal care. Treated as an annual in colder climates (zones below 7).

Origin and History of Four O’Clock Flowers

Four o’clock flowers boast a rich history that stretches back centuries and continents. 

Long before European explorers set foot in the Americas, the Aztecs of Central America cultivated these beauties. They weren’t just captivated by the vibrant blooms, but also actively selected and cultivated four o’clocks for a variety of colors, a testament to their appreciation for the plant’s aesthetic potential.

The arrival of the Spanish Conquest marked a turning point for four o’clocks. These captivating flowers crossed the Atlantic Ocean, finding their way to Europe in the 16th century.  

Spanish explorers, likely impressed by the cultivated varieties encountered in Aztec lands, introduced four o’clocks to European gardens.

Once in Europe, four o’clocks quickly gained popularity.  

Their unique late-day blooming habit and the vibrant colors made them a sensation, particularly in cottage gardens. For roughly 200 years, four o’clocks flourished in European gardens, captivating gardeners with their charm.

The story doesn’t end there! 

In 1753, the renowned Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus officially described the four o’clock species, giving it the scientific name Mirabilis jalapa. This formal classification solidified the plant’s place in the botanical world.

Interestingly, even America’s Founding Fathers weren’t immune to the allure of four o’clocks.  

The ever-curious Thomas Jefferson, himself an avid gardener, received four o’clock seeds from France. In July 1767, his meticulous journal entry captured his delight upon witnessing the flowers unfurl: “Mirabilis just opened, very clever.”  

This quote not only highlights Jefferson’s appreciation for the plant’s late-day blooming habit but also offers a charming glimpse into the personal life of one of America’s most influential figures.

From their cultivation by the Aztecs to their European craze and eventual journey across the Atlantic once more, the story of four o’clock flowers is a testament to their enduring appeal. These captivating blooms continue to grace gardens around the world, offering a touch of history and vibrant color to any outdoor space.

Four O’Clock Plant Types and Varieties

The world of four o’clocks offers a delightful variety, such as the following:

1. Mirabilis jalapa: The classic four o’clock with single blooms in various colors.
2. Mirabilis jalapa ‘Alba’: This variety boasts beautiful white flowers and a delicate citrus fragrance that fills the air. It readily self-seeds, ensuring a delightful return of its blooms year after year.
3. Mirabilis jalapa ‘Quamaya’: This unique type produces multi-colored blooms on a single plant.
4. Mirabilis jalapa ‘Margarita’: The margarita variety features large, ruffled flowers resembling carnations.

No matter your preference, there’s a four o’clock variety out there waiting to add a touch of magic to your garden!

How to Plant Four O’Clock?

Planting four o’clock flowers is a breeze, making them ideal for beginner gardeners. 

Here’s what you need to know:

Where to Plant

Four o’clocks thrive in sunny locations with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. They’ll tolerate some light shade, but flowering might be less prolific. 

Choose a spot with well-draining soil. These aren’t fussy plants, but soggy soil can lead to root rot. 

Since these plants thrive in warm climates with plenty of sunshine, in areas with cooler winters (outside their designated growing zones), they’re typically treated as annuals. This means the plants complete their lifecycle in one season, succumbing to the first frost and cold snaps. 

The good news is that as long as you keep the soil moist but not soggy, they’ll happily reward you with vibrant blooms.

When to Plant

Plant your four o’clocks after the last frost date. This ensures the soil is warm enough for successful germination and protects young plants from potential cold damage. Depending on your climate, this could be anywhere from late spring to early summer.

How to Plant

You can plant four o’clocks directly in the garden bed or start them indoors for earlier blooms.

Planting Essentials

Here are some handy tools to have on hand for planting four o’clocks:

• Gardening gloves
• Trowel
• Rake
• Watering can
• Compost or aged manure (optional)

Planting Steps

Here’s a step-by-step guide to planting four o’clock flowers directly in your garden bed:

1. Prepare the Planting Hole: Dig a hole in the chosen location or in a raised bed that’s slightly larger than the root ball of your four o’clock plant. Aim for a depth and width that’s about 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) wider than the root ball.

2. Amend the Soil (Optional): While four o’clocks aren’t too picky about soil quality, amending your soil can give them a head start. Loosen the soil in the planting area to a depth of 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) and mix in some compost or aged manure for extra nutrients.

3. Gently Remove the Plant from its Container: If your four o’clock comes in a pot, carefully tip the container on its side and gently squeeze the sides to loosen the root ball. Then, slowly slide the plant out, holding it by the base of the stem, not the leaves.

4. Inspect the Roots: Take a quick look at the root ball. If the roots seem compacted or circling around the bottom of the pot, gently loosen them with your fingers to encourage outward growth.

5. Place the Plant in the Hole: Position the four o’clock plant in the center of the prepared hole, ensuring the top of the root ball sits slightly above the surrounding soil level.

6. Backfill and Water: Fill the hole with the amended soil mixture, gently tamping it down to remove air pockets. After planting, give your four o’clock a drink! Water it thoroughly to help it settle in comfortably.

How to Propagate Four O’Clock

Four o’clock is a gardener’s ideal plant when it comes to propagation – you can easily propagate them to expand your floral display.

The first option is to collect seeds:

• Gather Seeds Before They Fall: Keep an eye on your four o’clocks as the seed pods mature. Just before they burst open, harvest the seeds and plant them directly in your garden after the last frost, or start them indoors for a head start.

• Self-Seeding Surprise: Alternatively, let nature take its course! Four o’clocks readily self-seed in warm climates. Simply allow the mature seed pods to open and disperse their seeds naturally. You might be surprised by a delightful surprise of new four o’clock seedlings emerging in the following season!

For a more targeted approach, you can try stem cuttings:

Propagate from Stem Cuttings

This method allows you to choose specific plant characteristics you’d like to replicate. 

First, select healthy stems, ideally 7-8 inches long, and carefully cut or break them off from the main plant. 

Next, plant the cuttings directly in the ground or a container filled with well-draining potting mix. Four o’clocks have a remarkable ability to root readily from stems, so there’s no need to worry about root rot before they establish. Just remember to keep the soil moist, not soggy, to avoid any issues with rotting.

Growing Four O’Clocks from Seeds

As mentioned, it is pretty easy to propagate four o’clock flowers from seeds. Just follow these simple steps:

1. Prepare your soil by loosening it to a depth of 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) and mixing in some compost or aged manure for extra nutrients.

2. Sow four o’clock seeds directly into the prepared soil, spacing them about 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) apart.

3. Gently sprinkle a thin layer of soil over the seeds, just enough to cover them. 

4. Water the seeds_, ensuring the soil is moist but not soggy until germination, which typically occurs within 10-14 days.

Four o’clocks readily self-seed, meaning they’ll drop their seeds at the end of the season, and new plants will sprout the following spring. This can be a fun way to get new blooms without having to buy more seeds.

Important tip: If you don’t want four o’clocks popping up all over your garden, deadhead the flowers before they set seed.

Starting Seeds Indoors (Optional)

If you want a head start on the season, you can start four o’clock seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. Use a well-draining seed-starting mix and sow the seeds about 1/4 inch deep in individual pots.

Then place the pots in a sunny location and keep the soil moist. Once the seedlings have a few sets of true leaves, harden them off for a week before transplanting them outdoors.

Growing Four O’Clock Flowers in Containers

Four o’clocks adapt well to container gardening, making them a vibrant addition to your balcony, patio, or porch. 

Here’s what you need to know:

• Pot Size: Choose a pot that’s at least 12-14 inches (30-35 cm) in diameter with drainage holes. Four o’clocks have a sprawling habit, so a wider pot will allow them to grow comfortably.

• Potting Mix: Use a well-draining potting mix formulated for flowering plants. You can also mix your own by combining equal parts potting soil, perlite, and compost.

• Planting: Plant your four o’clock seeds or seedlings directly in the pot, following the same instructions as for planting outdoors.

• Care: Caring for four o’clocks in containers is similar to caring for them in the ground. Water them regularly, especially during hot weather, and fertilize them once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer diluted for container plants.

• Winter Care: If you live in a cold climate, you can bring your container-grown four o’clocks indoors for the winter. Alternatively, you may want to overwinter the tubers.

Four O’Clock Flowers Care 

Once planted, caring for four o’clocks is a breeze! 

Here’s how to keep your beauties thriving:

Watering

Water your four o’clocks regularly, especially during hot and dry periods. In doing so, keep the soil moist but not soggy.  These plants are fairly drought-tolerant once established, so you can let the soil dry slightly between waterings.

Feeding

Four o’clocks aren’t heavy feeders. A light application of balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season is sufficient. You may want to use an organic fertilizer to keep things natural.

Deadheading

To encourage continuous blooming, deadhead spent flowers regularly. Simply pinch off the wilted flower heads just below the base. This will not only improve the appearance of your plants but also signal them to produce more blooms.

Pruning

While not strictly necessary, pruning your four o’clocks throughout the growing season can help maintain a bushy shape and encourage new growth.

Winter Care

In colder climates, four o’clocks are treated as annuals.  

Once frost arrives, the foliage will die back. You can either discard the plants or dig up the tubers (swollen underground roots) for storage over winter.

Here’s how to store four o’clock tubers:

1. When the first frost arrives and your four o’clock foliage withers, it’s time to unearth the tubers.
2. Brush off excess soil and allow them to dry in a cool, well-ventilated area for a few days.
3. Once dry, store the tubers in a container filled with slightly moistened peat moss, sand, or sawdust.
4. Place the container in a cool, dark location, like a garage or basement.
5. In spring, after all danger of frost has passed, replant the tubers outdoors for another season of vibrant blooms.

Pest and Disease Control

While four o’clocks are generally low-maintenance, there are a few potential challenges you might encounter.

Here’re the common pests and diseases these plants might fall pretty to and tips for disease and pest control.

• Aphids: These tiny, sap-sucking insects can cause stunted growth and distorted leaves. Use organic solutions like insecticidal soap spray or neem oil to get rid of aphids.

• Powdery mildew: Keep an eye out for powdery mildew, a fungal disease that appears as white or gray powdery spots on the leaves. Improve air circulation and remove infected leaves. You can also try spraying with a fungicide solution.

• Slugs and snails: These garden pests leave a glistening trail and love to feast on the leaves of your four o’clocks. Handpick them off your plants or use a natural deterrent like diatomaceous earth.

Four O’Clock Companion Plants 

Four o’clocks pair well with a variety of plants in your garden. Here are some companion planting suggestions:

• Cosmos: These cheerful daisy-like flowers come in vibrant colors and bloom alongside four o’clocks throughout the summer.

• Zinnias: Another vibrant choice, zinnias offer a profusion of blooms in various shapes and sizes, complementing the trumpet-shaped flowers of four o’clocks.

• Marigolds: These low-maintenance flowers deter pests and add a touch of sunshine to your garden alongside four o’clocks.

• Verbena: These trailing plants with clusters of tiny flowers add a cascading effect to containers or flower beds with four o’clocks.

How to Help Four O’Clock to Bloom 

If your four o’clocks aren’t blooming as much as you’d like, here are a few tips:

• Ensure enough sunlight: Four o’clocks need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to bloom prolifically.

• Avoid overwatering: Soggy soil can discourage flowering. Stick your finger in the soil – if the top inch feels dry, it’s time to water.

• Deadhead regularly: Removing spent flowers encourages your plants to put their energy into producing new blooms.

• Light fertilization: A balanced fertilizer applied once a month during the growing season can give your four o’clocks a little boost.

Using Four O’Clock Flowers in the Landscape 

Four o’clock flowers add a burst of color and charm to various garden settings. Here are some ideas to incorporate them into your landscape:

1. Butterfly Garden: Four o’clocks attract butterflies with their fragrant blooms, making them a perfect addition to a butterfly garden.

2. Cottage Garden: The informal, whimsical charm of four o’clocks fits perfectly with the relaxed aesthetic of a cottage garden.

3. Cut Flower Garden: Four o’clock blooms last well in a vase, making them a lovely addition to your bouquets. Simply cut the stems early in the morning when the flowers are fully open.

4. Borders and Edgings: The vibrant colors and bushy growth habit of four o’clocks make them ideal for adding a lively touch to borders and edges.

Four o’clock flowers are a delightful addition to any garden. 

So, why not give these low-maintenance beauties a try in your garden? With a little TLC, these easy-care beauties will reward you with a dazzling display of color for months to come. 

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about four o’clock flowers:

1. Why are four o’clocks called four o’clocks?

The name “four o’clock” comes from the unique blooming habit of these flowers. They typically open in the late afternoon, around 4 pm, and remain open throughout the night, closing up again the following morning.

2. What does the 4 o’clock flower symbolize?

Four o’clock flowers don’t have a universally recognized symbolic meaning. 

However, their association with blooming in the late afternoon and evening has led to them being linked to themes of beauty revealed in the twilight hours, fleeting moments of joy, and resilience.

3. What is the 4 o’clock plant used for?

Four o’clocks are primarily grown as ornamental plants for their vibrant blooms and attractive foliage. However, in some cultures, they have historical medicinal uses. It’s important to note that all parts of the four o’clock plant are considered mildly toxic and should not be ingested.

4. Is Four O’Clock plant toxic?

Yes, all parts of the four o’clock plant are considered mildly toxic. Ingestion can cause stomach upset, nausea, and vomiting. To ensure everyone’s safety, keep them out of reach of children and pets.

5. What color are four o’clock flowers?

Four o’clock flowers come in a wide range of colors, including red, pink, yellow, white, and even bi-colored variations. This variety adds to their visual appeal and allows you to choose colors that complement your existing garden palette.