MIRABILIS jalapa (Four O'Clock, Red)

MIRABILIS jalapa (Four O'Clock, Red) is a perennial flowering plant native to the Americas. While it is most commonly known for its bicolor flowers, including various combinations of colors, there are also solid color varieties available, such as the Red Four O'Clock. Four O'Clock is a herbaceous perennial, but it is often grown as an annual in colder climates. It belongs to the Nyctaginaceae family.

Four O'Clock plants are bushy and can reach heights of 2 to 4 feet (60 to 120 cm). The leaves are simple and ovate, typically green in color. The Red Four O'Clock variety produces flowers in a vibrant, solid red color. The flowers are trumpet-shaped and have a pleasant fragrance. They open in the late afternoon and stay open until the next morning, giving the plant its common name "Four O'Clock."

Four O'Clock typically blooms from mid-summer to fall, generally between July and October. The blooming period may vary depending on the local climate and growing conditions.

Four O'Clock thrives in full sun to partial shade. It prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate various soil types, including sandy or loamy soils. It is relatively adaptable and can grow in both cool and warm regions. Four O'Clock is known for its ability to tolerate drought conditions and can handle hot, dry summers.

Four O'Clock plants are popular for their attractive and fragrant flowers. The Red Four O'Clock variety adds a bold splash of color to the garden with its striking red blooms. They are often used as ornamental plants in borders, flower beds, and container gardens. Four O'Clock flowers also attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.