The Urban Naturalist

Four O'Clock Mix (Mirabilis jalapa) is a classic cottage garden annual with fragrant, trumpet-shaped blooms in vivid pink, red, yellow, and white that open in the late afternoon — giving the plant its poetic name. Plants grow 12–36 inches tall and bloom continuously all summer. Roots can be dug in fall and overwintered for planting the following spring. Extremely easy to grow and self-sows readily. Full sun. Direct sow after last frost. Days to bloom: 60–70. Open-pollinated, non-GMO.