Sweet Four-o'clock (Mirabilis longiflora)

   

 
 

Upper left: Near Mayhill, Sacramento Mountains, New Mexico. Other photographs are from Cave Creek Road near Portal, Arizona. All photographs by Wynn Anderson.

• Common English Names: Sweet Four-o'clock, Long-flower Four-o'clock
• Common Spanish Names: Maravilla blanca del jardin, Pebete, Atzoyatl
• Scientific Name: Mirabilis longiflora (mere-RAB-ill-iss long-jih-FLOR-uh
• Family: Nyctaginaceae (Four-o'clock Family)
• Geographic Range: Among tall grasses, brushy, rocky areas in canyons and open woodland from southern Arizona, New Mexico, and western Texas, south through Chihuahua and Coahuila to Veracruz and Oaxaca, Mexico.
• Description: Coarse, erect, herbaceous plant with stout central stems and slender branches rising from large fleshy roots. Long (3 to 7 inches) slender, pale greenish to reddish tinged tubes with abruptly flared white lobes notably contrasting with deep red-purple exserted filaments.
• Landscape Usage: Occasionally plants are commercially available but easily grown from seed in full sun or part shade in a variety of soils. Prefers good drainage in moderately rich, loamy soils, in semi-shaded, wind-protected locations with regular summer irrigation. Keep tuberous roots dry in winter. Especially useful in patios or semi-enclosed outdoor seating/assembly where the evening flowers can be appreciated.
• Notes: A nocturnal blooming plant attractive to moth pollinators.

Last Update: 20 June 2014