Marvel of Peru Four O'clock is a tender perennial flower that brings unexpected magic to summer gardens, with blooms that open in the late afternoon and release a subtle fragrance as evening falls. Named for its dramatic timing and the legendary gardens of Peru where it originated, this plant grows 2 to 4 feet tall and thrives in zones 9 to 11, though gardeners in cooler climates can easily grow it as an annual by starting seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost. The flowers arrive in brilliant jewel tones, often with striking bicolor patterns that seem to shift with the changing light. In warm regions, it self-seeds readily, potentially returning year after year.
Partial Sun
Moderate
9-11
48in H x ?in W
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High
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Marvel of Peru Four O'clock earns its name honestly: these flowers remain tightly closed through the morning and afternoon, then unfurl in a spectacular display as the sun begins to set. The blooms come in rich reds, pinks, yellows, and whites, frequently combining multiple colors on a single plant in ways that feel almost painterly. Once established, this plant requires minimal fussing and handles both full sun and partial shade with equal grace, making it forgiving for gardeners who aren't sure where to plant it.
Marvel of Peru Four O'clock is grown primarily as an ornamental flowering plant. The blossoms attract butterflies and other pollinators throughout the summer, making it valuable in gardens designed to support local wildlife. Gardeners who love evening gardening, or who want to extend their time enjoying flowers into the cooler parts of the day, find this plant especially rewarding. In warmer zones, it's also cherished for its prolific self-seeding habit, which allows gardeners to enjoy it year after year with minimal replanting effort.
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Start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your average last frost date. Sow seeds at a depth of 1/4 inch in seed-starting mix, keeping the medium moist until germination. Provide warm conditions and bright light once seedlings emerge.
Transplant outdoors 1 to 2 weeks after your average last frost date, once soil has warmed and all danger of frost has passed. Harden off seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over 7 to 10 days before planting in the garden.
Direct sow seeds outdoors 1 to 2 weeks after your average last frost date, planting them at a depth of 1/4 inch directly in the garden soil.
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“Mirabilis jalapa hails from the highlands of Peru, where it has been cultivated for centuries. European explorers brought seeds back to the Old World in the 1500s, where the plant captivated gardeners and botanists alike. The common name 'Marvel of Peru' reflects the wonder these flowers inspired when they first arrived in European gardens, their afternoon opening and rich fragrance striking observers as almost otherworldly. The plant became a fixture in cottage gardens throughout Europe and eventually spread globally, becoming a beloved heirloom flower that has been passed hand to hand among gardeners for generations.”