Desert Four O'Clock

Mirabilis multiflora

Plant Details:

Plant Type: Perennial
Plant Family: Nyctaginaceae
Plant Description: This large Utah native plant spreads horizontally from a single large tap root. It has lush green leaves all season, with attractive magenta blooms appearing from mid-summer through frost. Requiring little or no additional water and not performing well if overwatered, this plant is a "must have" for any low-water landscape. Stems detach easily from the root at the end of the growing season for easy fall cleanup.

Maintenance:

Maintenance Type: Perennial - Herbaceous
Plant Care: Perennial - Herbaceous (soft-stemmed plants that die back in winter and regrow in spring): Remove spent blooms to promote rebloom later. Some plants tend to flop over after the first bloom and attempt to regrow from the base; in these cases, the old stems can be cut away in summer. As plants become dormant in the fall, remove dead leaves and stems.

Plant Attributes:

Mature Size: 1-2' tall x 5-8' wide
Utah Native: Yes
Plant Select: No
Pollinator Friendly: Yes
Localscapes: Infill Plant
Foliage Interest: No
Foliage Colors: Green
Bloom Colors: Pink, Magenta
Bloom Seasons: Summer
Bloom Period: Jun - Sep

Growing Conditions:

Hardiness Zone: 3 to 8
Light Requirement: Full Sun (6+ hrs sun), Part Shade (4-6 hrs morning sun), Part Sun (4-6 hrs afternoon sun)
Irrigation Requirement:     Very Low (Water to Establish)
Salt Tolerant: Yes
Deer Resistant: Yes

Garden Location:

Found throughout the garden.

Garden Staff Tips & Insights:

Attracts hummingbird moths in the evening. This plant can be used in park strips larger than 8' wide.
  • Spring
  • Summer
  • Fall
  • Winter