Mirabilis jalapa

RHS Plant Profile
marvel of Peru

Other common names

false jalap, four o'clock flower, four o'clock plant, garden jalap, jalap plant, Japanese wonder flower, marvel of the world, pearl of Egypt, pretty-by-night

Herbaceous Perennial Annual Biennial

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

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H3

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Nyctaginaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
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

May be susceptible to aphids and slugs

Diseases

Generally disease-free