Colorado Four O'Clock
Mirabilis multiflora
- Native to:
- Mexico, United States
Stan Shebs
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Nyctaginaceae
- Genus:
- Mirabilis
- Species:
- Mirabilis multiflora
- USDA Symbol:
- MIMU
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb , Subshrub
- Height:
- 60 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Part Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- apr,may,jun,jul,aug,sep,oct
- Bloom Colors:
- pink, magenta
Wildlife Benefits
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
- Hummingbirds:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented hummingbird visits (GBIF)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Lithariapteryx abroniaeella, Lithariapteryx jubarella, sundew moth (Heliodines favonius)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Moths:White-lined sphinx moth (Hyles lineata)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- hawkmoths, hummingbirds
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fragrant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Resprouts vigorously from deep tuberous roots after fire or top-kill.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 8.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- 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 without pretreatment. Best sown in warm soil after last frost.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
Pre-treatment: Seeds are scarified with sandpaper prior to sowing. Seeds are naturally stratified outdoors during fall months.
Establishment: It is important to transplant at the cotyledon stage as root growth is fast and deformation will occur if delayed beyond this stage of development.
Source: npn.rngr.net
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C. Germinates within 3 months. Requires scarification. | Requires soaking 24-48 hrs; discard floaters.