Four O'Clock Flower Mirabilis jalapa 'Red Glow'
ABOUT
Mirabilis jalapa 'Red Glow', commonly known as the Four O'Clock Flower, is distinguished by its vibrant and captivating trumpet-shaped flowers that boast a deep red hue, which often appear illuminated or glowing, hence the name 'Red Glow'. The petals have a velvety texture and may exhibit a slight gradation of color, appearing more intense at the center and softly blending out towards the edges. The flowers emerge from green, tube-like calyxes that add a touch of contrast to the overall floral display. The leaves of the Four O'Clock Flower are equally attractive, characterized by a rich green color, and are heart-shaped with smooth margins. They are arranged alternately on the stems, providing a lush backdrop for the vivid blooms. The foliage has a slightly rough surface, contributing to the plant's overall tactile interest. As a whole, Mirabilis jalapa 'Red Glow' possesses a bushy, spreading habit creating a full and rounded appearance, with the flowers often opening in the late afternoon, hence the name. The plant is a favorite among gardeners not only for its dazzling floral display, which can be quite persistent throughout its blooming season, but also for its pleasant fragrance that intensifies as the day turns to evening, attracting both human admirers and pollinators such as hummingbirds and moths.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Four O'Clock, Marvel of Peru, Beauty of the Night, Pretty-by-Night.
Common names
Mirabilis jalapa 'Red Glow'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Four O'clock Flower is generally considered to have low toxicity to humans. However, ingestion of any part of the plant, especially in large quantities, can lead to gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It's important to avoid consuming any part of the plant and to keep it out of reach of children who may be tempted to eat its colorful flowers or seeds.
To pets
The Four O'clock Flower is also toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. If a pet ingests any part of the plant, symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and in some cases, seizures. The seeds are particularly toxic. If you suspect your pet has ingested any part of a Four O'clock Flower, it's important to contact a veterinarian as soon as possible.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Spread
1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
Tropical America
Benefits
General Benefits- Easy to Grow: Mirabilis jalapa 'Red Glow' is known for its low-maintenance requirements, making it suitable for novice gardeners.
- Ornamental: The plant has attractive trumpet-shaped flowers that provide visual interest to gardens or landscapes.
- Nocturnal Blooms: Commonly known as Four O'Clock Flowers, they open in the late afternoon or evening, offering a unique display at those times.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it has good drought resistance, which makes it suitable for xeriscaping or dry climate gardens.
- Rapid Growth: This plant can grow quickly, filling in garden spaces and providing coverage in a short period.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers attract butterflies, bees, and other pollinating insects, supporting local ecosystems.
- Variety of Colors: While 'Red Glow' implies a particular color, the species overall offers a range of color options for gardeners.
- Self-seeding: It can self-propagate by dropping seeds, ensuring its presence year after year with little effort from the gardener.
- Tolerance to Pests: Mirabilis jalapa is known for its resistance to many common garden pests, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Versatility: The plant can be used in flower beds, borders, containers, and as underplantings, making it a versatile addition to the landscape.
- Night Garden Highlight: Its nighttime blooming makes it a perfect choice for moon gardens or evening-themed landscapes.
Medical Properties- Laxative properties: Traditional use in some cultures as a mild laxative.
- Anti-inflammatory: May have properties that help to reduce inflammation.
- Diuretic effect: Used in some traditional medicine systems to promote urine production and relieve fluid retention.
- Antimicrobial activity: Contains compounds that might have activity against certain bacteria and fungi.
- Wound healing: Applied topically in some traditional practices to help heal wounds.
- Antispasmodic: Used to treat abdominal cramps and discomfort in some traditional medicine systems.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The Four O'Clocks plant can be used as natural dye for fabric and food, with its flowers providing color ranging from pink to magenta.
- In some cultures, Four O'Clocks flowers are crystallized and used as edible decorations on desserts.
- The seeds of the Four O'Clocks can be strung into jewelry beads after they are dried and varnished.
- Four O'Clocks can be planted in outdoor pots to add vibrant color to patios and balconies as a decorative element.
- This plant can be used in a sensory garden due to its strong fragrance that intensifies in the evening.
- Four O'Clocks can be interplanted among vegetables to provide ground coverage and potentially deter pests with its scent.
- The vibrant petals of the Four O'Clocks make a colorful mulch for garden beds once they've wilted and fallen.
- The plant's nectar-rich flowers can be included in butterfly gardens to attract and support pollinator populations.
- Four O'Clocks plants can be used in educational settings to teach children about nyctinasty, the plant's movement in response to darkness.
- Because of its quick growing nature, Four O'Clocks can be used to fill in bare spots in a landscape efficiently.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Four O'Clock Flower is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Four O'Clock Flower is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Perseverance and Resilience: Mirabilis jalapa 'Red Glow', commonly known as the Four O'Clock Flower, is known for its ability to bloom late in the day and into the night. This symbolizes perseverance as it reminds us to stay resilient even when conditions are not optimal.
- Beauty and Love: The vibrant red of 'Red Glow' is often associated with beauty and a passionate form of love. In the language of flowers, giving someone a Four O'Clock Flower may express admiration or strong affection.
- Mystery and Secrets: As the flower blooms at an unusual time of day, it is often linked with the mysterious or the secretive. This might represent situations or feelings that are revealed only after careful observation or over time.
- Inconstancy or Unpredictability: The Four O'Clock Flower's irregular blooming schedule and its flowers that can have different colors even on the same plant, can symbolize inconstancy or the unpredictable nature of life or relationships.
- Timeliness: Its punctual opening time in the late afternoon signifies timeliness and can serve as a reminder of the importance of being on time or recognizing the right moment in various situations.
WaterThe Four O'Clock flower benefits from moderate watering, maintaining a consistently moist soil without letting it become waterlogged. During active growth in the spring and summer, water approximately once a week with about 1-2 gallons, depending on the size of the plant and the weather conditions. Reduce watering in the fall as the plant prepares for dormancy, and during the winter only water enough to prevent the soil from completely drying out, which may be less than 1 gallon every two weeks. Ensure that the plant has good drainage to prevent root rot.
LightFour O'Clocks thrive in full sunlight but can tolerate partial shade. The ideal spot is one where the plant receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight every day, which encourages abundant flowering. They can adapt to some light shade, particularly in the hottest part of the day, but too much shade can result in fewer blooms and leggy growth.
TemperatureFour O'Clocks are tolerant of a wide range of temperatures but grow best in warm conditions between 60°F and 75°F. They can survive minimum temperatures down to about 40°F, which makes them suitable for growth in a variety of climates. However, they are not frost-hardy and should be protected or brought indoors if temperatures are expected to dip below 40°F.
PruningPruning Four O'Clocks helps maintain their shape and encourage bushier growth as well as more blooms. Deadheading spent flowers can promote additional flowering. Prune the plants back in the late fall or early winter after the first frost when the plants begin to die back, cutting them down to about 6 inches above the ground to prepare for the next growing season. Pruning can be done as needed throughout the growing season to remove damaged or diseased leaves and stems.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFour o'clocks prefer well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. A mix containing garden soil, compost, and perlite or coarse sand can provide the ideal soil structure and fertility. Regular fertilization during the growing season can enhance growth and flowering.
RepottingFour o'clocks are typically repotted every 2 to 3 years. They can be repotted in the spring before the onset of the growth period. Repotting is necessary when the plant has outgrown its current container or when the soil is depleted of nutrients.
Humidity & MistingFour o'clocks thrive in average humidity levels ranging from 40% to 60%. They are adaptable to many growing environments and do not require any special humidity adjustments for successful growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Four o'clocks in bright, indirect light and keep the soil moist.
Outdoor
Choose a sunny spot and ensure soil is fertile and well-drained.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
Life cycleThe life of the Four O'Clock plant, Mirabilis jalapa 'Red Glow', begins with seed germination, which typically happens in spring when the soil has warmed. Once germinated, the seedlings grow rapidly, developing into bushy plants with ovate, pointed leaves. Throughout the summer, the plant produces trumpet-shaped, fragrant red flowers that open in the late afternoon, hence the common name. After pollination, typically by moths attracted to the flowers at night, the plant sets seed in the form of a small, black, hard seed contained within a papery husk. As autumn approaches and temperatures drop, the Four O'Clock plant completes its annual life cycle by dying back to its tuberous root, which can survive in the ground through winter in warmer climates. The following spring, the plant can regrow from this tuber, starting the cycle anew.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Summer
The Four O'Clock flower, known scientifically as Mirabilis jalapa 'Red Glow', is often propagated through its tuberous roots. The optimal time for propagation is when the plant is dormant, generally in the late fall or early spring after the danger of frost has passed. The most popular method is to dig up the tuberous roots after the plant has finished flowering and the foliage has died back, then store them in a cool, dry place over the winter. Come spring, these tubers can be divided, ensuring each section has a bud, and planted directly into the garden about 2 inches deep (approximately 5 centimeters) and spaced around 18 to 24 inches apart (45 to 60 centimeters). The soil should be well-draining and the site must receive full sun to partial shade for the optimal growth and flowering of the Four O'Clocks.
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