Mirabilis jalapa
Four O'Clock
Nyctaginaceae
Perennials
MIRABILISStrong-looking, mounding plants with the substance and character of shrubs—albeit only seasonal or temporary ones. In summer, branch ends bear clusters of trumpet-shaped, 2-in.-long flowers that open late in the afternoon. Plants are killed to the ground by frost but resprout from their large tuberous roots. Sow seeds in fall or or spring. Plants self-sow freely.
Mirabilis jalapaNative to Peru. Grows 3 to 4 ft. tall and wide, with green leaves 2 to 6 in. long. Flowers in white and shades of red, pink, or yellow; several colors may appear on the same plant or even the same flower. Blossoms are fragrant at night.
Jingles strain is lower growing than old-fashioned kinds, has flowers splashed and stained in two or three colors at once.
In colder climates, treat as annual; or dig and store like dahlia.
Leucophyllum zygophyllum
Grows 3 ft. tall and wide, with gray-green, slightly cupped leaves and light blue flowers.
Leucophyllum langmaniae
Dense grower to 5 ft. high and wide, with bright green leaves and lavender flowers.
Leucophyllum candidum
Grows 5 ft. high and wide, with small (1/2-in.), silvery leaves and a good show of 1/2- to 1-in.-wide,...
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