Mirabilis jalapa
marvel of Peru
M. jalapa is a bushy, tuberous perennial often grown as an annual, with fragrant flowers opening in the afternoon, in a wide range of colours, and sometimes bicoloured
Other common names
false jalapfour o'clock flower
see morefour o'clock plant
garden jalap
jalap plant
Japanese wonder flower
marvel of the world
pearl of Egypt
pretty-by-night
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink Purple Red White Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Nyctaginaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
Mirabilis can be annuals or tuberous perennials, with paired, ovate leaves and trumpet-shaped flowers in clusters in the leaf axils
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Peru trop. America
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun. Shelter from cold, drying winds and provide a dry mulch in winter to protect from excessive winter wet. Alternatively, grow in a container and keep outside over the summer and overwinter
Propagation
Propagate by seed in early spring, germinate at 13-18°C. Propagate by division of tubers in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Cut back prior to lifting tubers
Pests
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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