Four O'Clocks Bare Roots | Fragrant Mirabilis jalapa

Enjoy fragrance as the day cools with Four O’Clocks bare roots, Mirabilis jalapa, also known as Marvel of Peru. Their trumpet-shaped flowers typically open in late afternoon or evening, adding interest to borders, cottage gardens, and roomy patio containers through the warm growing season.

Pack options and flower colors

Choose 1 bare root or 4 bare roots. One cart quantity purchases one selected pack. These are bare-root plants to grow on, not seeds or flowering potted plants. Roots may arrive without visible top growth.

This is a mixed-color listing. Possible flower colors include red, pink, yellow, white, and bicolors. A particular color, equal color proportions, or every color in each pack is not guaranteed. Cross-pollination can affect plants grown from resulting seed; it does not automatically change an established root's flower color each year.

Plant highlights

• Botanical name: Mirabilis jalapa.
• Common names: Four O’Clocks and Marvel of Peru.
• Life cycle: tender perennial; roots need protection where winters are too cold.
• Flowers: fragrant trumpets, usually opening later in the day.
• Season: summer into fall where temperatures remain suitable.
• Light: full sun to partial shade.
• Garden visitors: flowers can attract moths and other pollinators.

Opening time varies with weather and light, rather than occurring at exactly 4 p.m. Allow room for a branching plant instead of assuming it will remain compact.

Unpacking and planting

Unpack promptly and inspect the roots. Plant after frost danger has passed and the soil has warmed. Choose fertile, well-drained soil with good light. Loosen the planting area to accommodate the roots without bending or forcing them, incorporating compost where needed to improve soil structure.

Set the crown or growing end upward with the roots extending down, covering the top lightly, approximately 1 inch, unless supplied directions specify otherwise. Space plants approximately 24 inches apart. If orientation is unclear, identify the crown before planting rather than digging up and repositioning a newly sprouted root.

Water to settle the soil and allow excess water to drain. Keep moderately moist during establishment, but avoid soaking a dormant root repeatedly. Emergence depends on warmth, moisture, and the root's growth stage.

Watering and feeding

Check soil moisture rather than following a rigid weekly watering schedule. Water when needed during active growth, especially in dry weather, while avoiding waterlogged soil. Mulch can help reduce moisture swings; keep it away from the crown.

Feed according to a flowering-plant fertilizer label and soil needs. Do not use the former fixed tablespoon rate for every fertilizer formulation. Yellow leaves can have several causes, including drainage problems, so check conditions before adding more feed.

Container care

Use a deep, roomy container with drainage holes and well-drained potting mix. Allow space for the substantial root and branching top growth. Check moisture frequently because pots dry faster than beds, and avoid standing water. Support stems if needed in exposed locations.

Flowering and seasonal maintenance

Remove damaged growth and spent flowers as desired to keep plants tidy. Collect developing seed if you want to limit self-sowing. Flowering and fragrance vary with weather and establishment, and a particular bloom date or number of pollinator visits is not guaranteed.

Winter care

Where winters are mild enough, roots may persist in well-drained ground. In colder climates, lift roots before damaging freezes, allow the surface to dry, and store in a cool, frost-free place with ventilation. Check periodically for rot or excessive shriveling. Replant in spring after frost danger has passed. Container-grown roots need protection from freezing as well.

Important safety information

Four O’Clocks are ornamental plants, not food. Seeds and roots are toxic if eaten. Keep plants and stored roots away from children and pets. Wear gloves if handling causes irritation, and seek medical or veterinary advice promptly if ingestion occurs.