Four O'Clock, also known as the Marvel of Peru, is a captivating plant that stands out in any garden.

This plant gets its name, 'four o'clock,' because its flowers wait until the afternoon to bloom. The term 'mirabilis' is derived from the Latin word for 'wonderful.' These flowers unfurl in the late afternoon and close the following morning, unless the weather is overcast.

Gallery of Annual Flowers

Four O'Clock Description: The four o'clock plant forms a bushy, well-branched shrub, reaching a height of 1 to 3 feet. It blooms abundantly, with flowers in colors ranging from white and yellow to red, purple, and even striking bicolored varieties. On rare occasions, different patterns appear on the same plant. When closed, the flowers curl up tightly.

Growing four o'clock: Four o'clocks thrive best in full sunlight with average to rich garden soil. They can also grow in partial shade, although the plants may become more elongated. This hardy plant is highly tolerant of heat, drought, humidity, and air pollution. Plant them outdoors once the danger of frost has passed, and space them 18 to 24 inches apart due to their vigorous growth. Four o'clocks develop tubers, which can be dug up and stored for replanting after frost. They are also self-seeding.

Propagating four o'clock: Four o'clocks can be propagated by seed or tubers. In warmer climates with long growing seasons, you can sow the seeds outdoors once the last frost has passed. For areas with shorter seasons, start the seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before transplanting. Seeds typically germinate in 7 to 10 days at 70°F.

Uses for four o'clock: Four o'clocks make excellent, compact hedges and are ideal for edging paths, borders, or grouping at the center of garden beds. Since their flowers remain open at night, they are especially appealing when planted near evening spaces such as patios or illuminated pools. They also flourish in large containers.

Four o'clock related varieties: The Jingles variety produces flowers in white, rose, red, yellow, and crimson, many of which are marked with contrasting splashes of color. The Tea Time series and Afternoon Delight offer a wide array of color choices.

Scientific name of four o'clock: Mirabilis jalapa

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