Mirabilis multiflora
Colorado four o'Clock
Southwestern United States and northern Mexico
Overview
Mirabilis multiflora is a herbaceous perennial in the four o'clock family (Nyctaginaceae) that grows from a thick, woody taproot into a rounded, sprawling mound 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) tall and 36-48 inches (90-120 cm) wide. The smooth, branching stems carry opposite, somewhat fleshy, gray-green leaves that are broadly oval to heart-shaped and 1-3 inches (2.5-8 cm) long. From late spring into fall it bears clusters of funnel-shaped flowers 1-2.5 inches (2.5-6 cm) long, magenta to deep purple-pink, each cradled in a green, cup-like involucre that holds several blooms. The flowers open in late afternoon and stay open through the night, closing by mid-morning, a rhythm reflected in the common name four o'clock. Night-flying hawkmoths are the main pollinators. The plant dies back to its root each winter and regrows from the crown in spring. One limitation in the garden is the large taproot, which makes established plants difficult to move.
Native Range
Mirabilis multiflora is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, ranging across Colorado, Utah, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and southern California. It grows on dry slopes, sandy flats, roadsides, and rocky desert grassland, often among pinyon and juniper.Suggested Uses
This species is grown in xeriscapes, rock gardens, native desert plantings, and dry slopes where its drought tolerance suits the site. The evening flowers draw hawkmoths and other night pollinators. Its sprawling mound covers ground and softens the edges of paths and walls.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 2'
Width/Spread3' - 4'
Bloom Information
Flowering runs from late spring through early fall, roughly May to September, peaking in the warm months. Individual blooms open in late afternoon and close the following morning, with new flowers opening over many weeks. Bloom is heaviest after summer rains.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
magenta to purple-pinkFoliage Description
gray-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight