Sweet Four O'Clock

Mirabilis longiflora

Native to:
Guatemala, Mexico, United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Nyctaginaceae
Genus:
Mirabilis
Species:
Mirabilis longiflora
USDA Symbol:
MILO2

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
100 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
jun,jul,aug,sep,oct
Bloom Colors:
white, pink

Wildlife Benefits

Caterpillars:
★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Heliodines cliffordi

Reported Fauna Sightings

Moths:Alypiodes bimaculata

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
moths, hummingbirds
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Fragrant:
Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
6.0 - 8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to arid regions, prefers dry conditions

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
None required
Germination Time:
7–21 days
Notes:
Seeds germinate readily at warm temperatures (70-75°F) with no pretreatment required.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI