Mirabilis Jalapa

Known as the Marvel of Peru - mirabilis means "wonderful" in Latin.
Also known as "Beauty of the Night" or "Four O'Clock Flower" as the clusters of flowers tend to open in the late afternoon and evening (or shade), with a strong sweet scent which is why every garden should have some to extend the flowering day!

Perennial often grown as an annual. As it comes from South America, it grows best in full sun and will die back in frost but regrow the following spring if desired. Can also self-seed. Each plant can have flowers of different colours. Bushy and grows between 0.6 - 0.9m in height.

Flowers are known to be used to produce food colouring. The leaves have been known in herbal medicine - but any such use should be checked with a doctor.

Sow outdoors March to April.
Flowers June to September.