Broken Colors Four O'clock, *NEW Mirabilis Jalapa 50 Seeds Free Shipping!
This flower tends to bloom in the late afternoon, which is a pretty unusual trait caused by shifts in light and temperature. It’s a garden favorite that showcases fragrant bicolored blooms in vibrant shades of pink, rose, red, white, and yellow.
This beloved garden flower got its name due to its late afternoon blooming habit; this distinctive feature is a result of changes in temperature and light. The genus name "Mirabilis" is derived from the Latin word meaning "wonderful," while the species name "jalapa" is linked to a common name for places in South and Central America. Thomas Jefferson, one of the founding fathers, cultivated these flowers in his expansive estate gardens at Monticello, calling them the "fragrant marvel of Peru." Historians suggest that the ancient Aztecs were the first to cultivate these flowers, which made their way to Europe by the early 18th century and were classified by Linnaeus in 1753.g strips or along sidewalks.
Broken Colors Four O'Clocks are a flowering plant that stands out with their bright, bicolor, and mottled flowers in pink, white, red, and yellow. They're super easy to grow, love full sun, and give off a sweet scent similar to jasmine, making them a lovely addition to any garden.
Broken Colors Four O'Clock (Mirabilis jalapa) is a lively flowering plant recognized for its distinct, bicolor, and mottled blooms. These flowers usually open in the late afternoon and stay open all night, offering a beautiful visual treat along with a sweet jasmine-like fragrance.
Key Features
Flower Characteristics
Color Variety: The blooms come in shades of pink, white, red, yellow, and various combinations.
Size: The flowers are trumpet-shaped, measuring between 1 to 2 inches across.
Fragrance: They emit a gentle, jasmine-like scent, especially in the evening.
Growth Requirements
Light: They prefer full sun but can handle a bit of light shade.
Soil: They thrive in well-draining, nutrient-rich soil.
Spacing: Plant seeds 24 to 36 inches apart to give them room to grow.
Planting and Care
Planting Instructions
When to Plant: Sow seeds outdoors after the last frost in spring.
Depth: Plant seeds about 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep.
Germination: Seeds usually germinate in 10 to 12 days.
Maintenance Tips
Watering: Keep the soil moist until germination; once they're established, they can tolerate drought.
Self-Seeding: In milder climates, they can self-seed, so you might want to remove seed pods if you want to control their spread.
Additional Benefits
Pollinator Friendly: They attract hummingbirds and night-flying moths.
Pest Control: They can help manage Japanese beetles in your garden.
Broken Colors Four O'Clock is a fantastic option for gardeners wanting to add some color and fragrance to their outdoor areas.
