Mirabilis multiflora (Colorado Four O’Clock)

Blooming over an incredibly long season, Mirabilis multiflora (Colorado Four O’Clock) is a tuberous hardy perennial of sprawling and dense habit, boasting a profusion of fragrant, vibrant deep pink, broadly tubular flowers from spring to fall. Blooming in the leaf axils and in clusters at the tips of the numerous slender but much-branched stems, the large blossoms, up to 2 in. long (5 cm), open in the afternoon and close in the morning. They attract night insects as well as pollen-collecting bees, hummingbirds and quails. The showy flowers are nestled against the lush foliage of blue-green heart shaped leaves. Fast-growing, long-lived, drought tolerant and undemanding, Mirabilis multiflora has a commanding presence in the garden. It is spectacular as a ground cover, great for erosion control (thanks to its extensive root system), and is lovely cascading voluptuously a retaining wall. Place it along walkways or near patios where the night-blooming flowers and fragrance can be enjoyed. Mirabilis multiflora dies back in freezing winters, but resprouts from its large tuberous roots.

• Grows up to 1-2 ft. tall (30-60 cm) and 3-5 ft. wide (90-150 cm).
• Performs best in full sun to light shade, in dry or rocky, well-drained soils. Drought tolerant, it does well in dry, desert conditions.
• A welcomed addition to beds and borders, cottage gardens or as a groundcover. Great to stabilize slopes and prevent erosion.
• No serious insect or disease problems.
• Can be mowed off at ground level in the fall.
• Propagate by treated seed, soft cuttings, or dormant division of tuberous roots. Seed must be scarified or stratified.
• Native to the southwestern United States.
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