Red Four O'clock is a heirloom flower that blooms reliably from summer through fall, producing vibrant red flowers that open in late afternoon, a quirk that gives this plant its charming common name. Hardy in zone 8, it grows 24 to 36 inches tall and reaches maturity in 84 days from seed to bloom. This drought-tolerant perennial develops large tuberous roots that make it especially resilient once established, while its deer resistance and pollinator appeal make it a dependable choice for gardens where wildlife pressure is a concern.
1
Full Sun
Moderate
8-8
36in H x 24in W
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High
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Red Four O'clock's flowers unfold in the late afternoon and close by morning, creating a daily rhythm that draws gardeners out to the garden at sunset. The plant's remarkable drought tolerance comes from deep tuberose roots that store water and energy, allowing it to thrive with minimal supplemental watering once established. Bees and other pollinators visit the flowers eagerly, making this heirloom a living magnet for garden life.
Red Four O'clock is grown primarily as an ornamental flowering plant, valued for its striking red blooms that appear reliably throughout the warm season. Gardeners cultivate it to add color and seasonal interest to borders, cottage gardens, and pollinator-friendly plantings.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your last spring frost, planting them at 70°F. Seeds typically sprout within 5 to 30 days, so be patient and keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Harden off indoor seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over 7 to 10 days, then transplant them outside 1 week after your last spring frost. Space plants 1 inch apart.
Direct sow is recommended: plant seeds outdoors 1 week after your last spring frost, pressing them 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep into the soil.
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