Botanical Name: Mirabilis multiflora
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Common Name: Desert or Colorado Four O' Clock  
Plant photo of: Mirabilis multiflora
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Water Saving Tip:

Replace turf with groundcovers, trees, and shrubs. If you have areas where no one uses the grass, patches that do not grow well, or a turf area too small to water without runoff, consider replacing the turf with water-efficient landscaping.

  • Anatomy

  • Culture

  • Design

Plant Type

Ground cover, Perennial

 

Height Range

1-3'

 

Flower Color

Pink

 

Flower Season

Summer

 

Leaf Color

Green, Blue Green

 

Bark Color

n/a

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full, Half

 

Water

Very Low

 

Growth Rate

Moderate

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular

 

Soil Condition

Average, Poor, Well-drained, Dry

 

Soil pH

Neutral, Basic

 

Adverse Factors

Attracts Bees

Design Styles

English Cottage, Mediterranean, Ranch, Spanish, Native Garden

 

Accenting Features

Showy Flowers

 

Seasonal Interest

Summer

 

Location Uses

Perennial Border, Patio, Raised Planter, With Rocks

 

Special Uses

Cascade, Filler, Mass Planting, Small Spaces

 

Attracts Wildlife

Hummingbirds, Butterflies

Information by: Stephanie Duer
Photographer: Mountain States Nursery

  • Description

  • Notes

Desert Four O'Clock has a clumping to spreading habit. Leaves are fleshy and soft green. Flowers are funnel-shaped, hot pink to magenta, and appear in abundance June through October. Will burn to ground with frost but recovers quickly if the weather warms. Looks stunning cascading over low walls or tucked between boulders. Attracts humming birds, native birds, and hawk moths. Accepts full sun or partial shade. Needs a well drained soil. Native to Utah, there is one planted at the Greater Avenues Demonstration Garden.
Wide spreading perennial growing under 24 inches but spreading 4 to 5 feet. Blooms are only open when skies are sunny. Slow to grow in spring, it needs warm days to get started so don't be impatient and toss it out by mistake. Attractive to bees, bumblebees, moths, and hummingbirds.