Mirabilis multiflora
Desert Four O' Clock
Description
Stunning groundcover cascading over low walls or tucked between boulders. Rounded, succulent leaves blue-green giving a lush appearance. Will burn to ground with frost but recovers quickly from a large tuber. Puts out masses of large, trumpet shaped hot pink flowers in summer late afternoon, closing the next morning. Attracts hummers and hawk moths. Seeds are bird faves. Long-lived perennial native to NM, CO, AZ and UT. Full sun or part shade but well drained soil.
Plant Type
Shrub, Perennial
Height Range
1-3'
Flower Color
Pink
Flower Season
Summer
Leaf Color
Green, Blue Green
Bark Color
n/a
Fruit Color
n/a
Fruit Season
n/a
Sun
Full, Half
Water
Low
Growth Rate
Moderate
Soil Type
Sandy, Loam, Rocky
Soil Condition
Average, Poor, Well-drained
Soil pH
Neutral, Basic
Adverse Factors
n/a
Design Styles
Ranch, Spanish, Wild Garden
Accenting Features
Showy Flowers
Seasonal Interest
Summer
Location Uses
Perennial Border, Patio, Raised Planter, With Rocks
Special Uses
Cascade, Filler, Mass Planting, Small Spaces
Attracts Wildlife
Hummingbirds, Butterflies
Apply a layer of mulch around plants to reduce moisture loss.
Choose organic mulches, such as shredded bark, compost or aged sawdust.