Four of Clock Flower

Mirabilis jalapa
A tuberous rooted, bushy, herbaceous perennial, reaching a maximum size of 6.5 x 4 ( rarely over 4 ), that is native to subtropical to tropical parts of the Americas. In cooler climates it stays closer to 2 x 2 feet.
The heart-shaped leaves, up to 6 x 3.5 inches in size, are deep green.
The fragrant, yellow, purplish-pink to red, trumpet-shaped flowers, up to 2 x 2 inches , are borne throughout the summer. The flowers each open during late afternoon, lasting into the following day. The short life of each flower is made up for by their continual abundance.
Hardy zones 8 to 11 in full sun on just about any fertile, well drained soil. Propagation is from division during early spring or seed sown during spring.

* photo of unknown internet source

* photos taken on July 25 2015 @ Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario

* photo taken on Aug 24 2020 in Columbia, MD

* photos taken on July 17 2024 in Columbia, MD

Mirabilis multiflora ( Colorado Four O'Clock )
A very dense, broad, mounding perennial, reaching up to 1.5 x 6 feet, that is native to the southwestern U.S> ( from central California to central Nevada to southeast Colorado; south to the Baja Peninsula to southwest Texas ).
The attractive leathery foliage is mid-green. The snooth-edged, oval leaves are up to 3 inches in length.
The very abundant, intense purple-pink, funnel-shaped flowers are borne over a long season lasting from mid-summer to late autumn or first hard frost.
Hardy zones 4 to 8 in full sun to partial shade on dry, well drained soil. It is very drought tolerant due to its massive deep taproot. Slow to establish but very long-lived. It is not eaten by rabbit or deer.

* photo taken on Aug 24 2017 @ U.S. Botanic Garden, Wash. DC.