Four o'clock flower (Mirabilis latifolia)
Care, watering, light and tips for Four o'clock flower on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Nyctaginaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 3 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Four o'clock flower
Mirabilis latifolia, commonly known as Broad-leaved four-o'clock, is a robust perennial herb, often grown as an annual, producing showy trumpet-shaped flowers that open in the late afternoon. Its broad, fleshy leaves give it a lush appearance, making it ideal for borders, flower beds, or as an accent plant in warm climate gardens.
Native range
Southwestern United States and northern Mexico
Care tips
It thrives in full sun or light partial shade, especially in very hot climates. Watering should be regular during the growing season, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings; it is drought-tolerant once established. Use well-draining, sandy or loamy soil. A common mistake is overwatering in heavy soils, which can lead to root rot, as its tuberous roots store water.
How to save a dying Four o'clock flower
- Warning signs
- Yellowing or wilting leaves, soft and drooping stems, no flowering.
- First aid
- Check drainage and soil moisture. If potted, consider repotting to one with better drainage. Prune damaged stems.
- What kills it
- Overwatering that rots roots or lack of direct sunlight. They are sun lovers.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes! With good drainage, full sun, and moderate watering, it usually recovers.