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Four o'clock flower

How to identify Four o'clock flower (Mirabilis jalapa)

Four o'clock flower, also known as False jalap

Four o'clock flower is a robust, semi-woody perennial, often grown as a multi-stemmed ornamental. Its pointed oval leaves measure up to 3 inches (7.5 cm) long and feature a smooth surface. Showy, trumpet-shaped flowers offer a vivid display — blooming in a variety of hues, including red, white, yellow, and bicolored patterns. Notably, these blossoms typically open from late afternoon onwards, closing in the morning. Four o'clock flower reaches an average height of 2 to 3 feet (60 to 90 cm) with a similar spread.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial, Annual

Plant Type

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Four o'clock flower

1

Late afternoon blooming flowers in vibrant red, white, yellow, or bicolored patterns.

2

Distinctive trumpet-shaped flowers with a 5-lobed structure, measuring 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) long.

3

Leathery, rounded fruit with 5 pronounced longitudinal ribs, maturing to dark brown or black.

4

Pointed oval leaves up to 3 inches (7.5 cm) long with a smooth surface.

5

Robust, semi-woody perennial reaching 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) in height with showy floral displays.

Four o'clock flowerFour o'clock flowerFour o'clock flowerFour o'clock flowerFour o'clock flower

Detailed Traits of Four o'clock flower

Leaf Features

Leaf Shape

Elliptic ,
Ovate ,
Deltoid

Four o'clock flower Leaf Shape image
Leaf Type

Simple

Leaf Base

Cordate ,
Truncate

Four o'clock flower Leaf Base image
Leaf Arrangement

Opposite

Four o'clock flower Leaf Arrangement image
Leaf Apex

Acuminate ,
Acute

Leaf Margin

Entire

Learn About the Leaf Glossary
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Flower Features

The flowers of four o'clock flower open late in the afternoon or in very cloudy weather. They come in a variety of colors, ranging from white to red, yellow, or striped. The flowers are tubular and trumpet-like, with a distinctive 5-lobed structure. Each flower measures approximately 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) in length. Their unique blooming period and vibrant colors make them easily recognizable. Additionally, the flowers emit a pleasant fragrance, enhancing their appeal during their late blooming hours.

Four o'clock flower Flower imageFour o'clock flower Flower image
Corolla Type

Salverform

Inflorescence Type

Cymes

Four o'clock flower Inflorescence Type image
Learn About the Flower Glossary
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Fruit Features

The fruit of four o'clock flower is distinguished by its leathery texture, showcasing five pronounced longitudinal ribs that give it a unique appearance. It often assumes a rounded, globular shape, though it can sometimes be slightly elongated, typically measuring around 0.5 to 0.75 inches (1.3 to 1.9 cm) in diameter. The fruit's color matures to a deep hue at full ripeness, which usually ranges from a dark brown to black. It is a single-chambered capsule, containing numerous small seeds that are easily dispersed when the fruit dehisces naturally upon reaching maturity.

Four o'clock flower Fruit image
Fruit Type

Achene

Learn About the Fruit Glossary
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Key Facts About Four o'clock flower

Attributes of Four o'clock flower
Lifespan
Perennial, Annual
Plant Type
Herb
Plant Height
60 cm to 1 m
Spread
80 cm to 1 m
Leaf Color
Green
Flower Size
2.5 cm to 3 cm
Flower Color
Yellow
White
Red
Pink
Purple
Orange
Gold
Fruit Color
Brown
Black
Stem Color
Green
Yellow
Pink
Leaf type
Deciduous
The Toxicity of Four o'clock flower
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Scientific Classification of Four o'clock flower

Species
Four o'clock flower (Mirabilis jalapa)
Learn More About the Four o'clock flower

Distribution Map of Four o'clock flower

Four o'clock flower is native to Mexico and Central America. It has been widely naturalized in much of the world. Its preferred ecosystem is at low altitudes in disturbed or weedy ground.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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