Indoor Plants
Outdoor Plants
Mirabilis jalapa
A perennial with tuberous roots whose colourful trumpet flowers open in late afternoon with a lemony scent and close by morning.
- Light: Direct sun
- Water: Moderate watering
- Temperature: Likes warmth
Description
The four o'clock flower is a perennial with tuberous roots. It gets its name because its trumpet flowers open in late afternoon and close the next morning. They come in white, yellow, red or striped.
Why four o'clock flower?
- Flowers that open in the evening.
- A lemon-like scent.
- Many colours.
- Easy to propagate.
Where to plant it
Beds and borders near evening seating, and in pots. Choose a spot out of reach of children and pets – the seeds and roots are poisonous.
Care in the Saudi climate
- Light: 6–8 hours of sun; tolerates part shade.
- Water: moderate and regular.
- Soil: fertile and well-drained.
- Safety: seeds and roots are poisonous if eaten.
Sizes
- 30–40 cm: Young plant (beds and pots).
Three things to get right.
Lighting
Prefers 6–8 hours of sun a day.
Watering
Water regularly to keep the soil slightly moist.
Temperature & humidity
Likes warmth; in Riyadh heat it may need more water.
More shrubs.Pairs well with
Yes – the seeds and roots are poisonous if eaten, so keep it away from children and pets.
In late afternoon, staying open until the next morning.
Up to about 1 m.
It prefers 6–8 hours of sun a day and tolerates part shade.
From seed, root tubers or stem cuttings.