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Anderson, Wynn

Mirabilis longiflora

Mirabilis longiflora L.

Sweet Four O'Clock, Long-flowered Four O'Clock

Nyctaginaceae (Four O'clock Family)

Synonym(s):

USDA Symbol: MILO2

USDA Native Status: L48 (N)

This plant grows up to about 5 feet tall. The stem is heavy, brittle, and sticky, with several branches near the base. The leaves are opposite. The lower leaves have stems 1 1/2 inches long; the leaves themselves are 3-4 inches long. The upper leaves have no stem and taper to a sharp point. The branches and the flowers grow out of the leaf axils. The flower stem has many buds, but usually only 2 flowers bloom at the same time on 1 stem. The slender tube of the flower is 4-6 inches long, pinkish with a red throat, spreading into a white blossom 1/2-3/4 inch across at the opening, with 6 stamens extending almost an inch beyond. The flowers bloom near the top of the plant.

Mirabilis, in Latin, and Maravilla, in Spanish, both mean "marvelous," which the flowers certainly are. They open in the shade of the late afternoon. This lovely native species is a close relative of Common Four-o'clock (M. jalapa), a plant originally from Mexico, popular in gardens since the Aztecs, and now commonly escaping into the wild; it has purple, yellow, or sometimes white or variegated flowers generally not longer than 2 1/2" (6.5 cm).

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