Four O'Clock Flower (Mirabilis jalapa)

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Sunlight Full sun to partial shade; tolerates afternoon shade in hot climates to prevent leaf scorch

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Watering Water deeply when the top 2–3 cm of soil is dry; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot

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Temperature Thrives in warm temperatures; tolerates light frost but will die back to roots in cold winters

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Leaf: Oval to heart-shaped, bright green, fuzzy texture, arranged oppositely on stems
Flower: Trumpet-shaped blooms, 3–5 cm wide, in clusters; colors include pink, red, yellow, white, or bicolor
Stem: Succulent, green to reddish-brown, branching freely

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Watering

Keep soil consistently moist during active growth

Fertilization

Feed every 2–3 weeks with balanced diluted feed. Discontinue fertilization in late autumn as growth slows

Banana peel compost tea：Soak fully composted banana peels in water for 24 hours; dilute 1:20 for root drench to avoid nutrient burn

Pruning

Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous flowering throughout the growing season
Trim leggy stems in mid-summer to maintain a compact, bushy shape
Cut back to ground level after the first frost in cold regions to prepare for winter dormancy

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Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: No known toxicity to cats

Humans: No known toxic effects on humans when handled or ingested in typical amounts

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Culture: Associated with evening gatherings and nostalgia; blooms symbolize timely, understated beauty

Usage: Ornamental garden plant; cooked roots are edible in some traditional Central American cuisines