Marvel Of Peru
Mirabilis jalapa
- Native to:
- Belize, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua
Woodlot (en.wikipedia.org) at English Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org) )
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Nyctaginaceae
- Genus:
- Mirabilis
- Species:
- Mirabilis jalapa
- USDA Symbol:
- MIJA
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb , Subshrub
- Height:
- 100 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug,sep,oct
- Bloom Colors:
- white, yellow, pink, red, magenta, bicolor
Host Plant for Caterpillars
somber carpet moth (Disclisioprocta stellata), White-lined sphinx moth (Hyles lineata)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- hummingbirds, hawkmoths, butterflies
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fragrant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to regions with seasonal rainfall
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 7–21 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily with warmth; soaking seeds overnight may improve germination rates.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C. Germinates within 3 months.