The Maravilla plant, also known as the Four O’Clock flower (Mirabilis jalapa), is a captivating garden addition. Its scientific name, meaning “wonderful” in Latin, reflects its vibrant, often multi-colored blooms. Cherished for its distinctive habit, its fragrant flowers open in the late afternoon, providing a delightful sensory experience as evening approaches.
Understanding Maravilla Plant Characteristics
The Maravilla plant grows as a bushy perennial, typically reaching 2 to 3 feet tall. It features thick, often quadrangular stems and ovate, medium-green leaves up to 4 inches long. A notable characteristic is its tuberous root system, which can become substantial in warmer climates.
Its trumpet-shaped flowers, about two inches long and an inch across, come in a wide array of colors. These include yellow, pink, red, white, or magenta, often displaying stripes, speckles, or bicolored patterns, sometimes even on the same plant. As its common name suggests, the flowers open in the late afternoon, releasing a sweet fragrance, and close by morning. While often grown as an annual in cooler regions, Mirabilis jalapa acts as a tender perennial in USDA hardiness zones 7-11, where its tubers can overwinter.
Growing and Caring for Maravilla Plants
Maravilla plants can be grown from seed or tubers. Seeds can be sown directly after the last frost or started indoors 6 to 8 weeks earlier. If using tubers, dig them up in the fall before the first freeze, store them in a cool, dry, frost-free location over winter, and replant in spring after frost danger passes.
Maravilla plants thrive in full sun, ideally at least six hours daily. While they tolerate partial shade, excessive shade can lead to leggier growth and fewer blooms. The plant adapts to various soil types but prefers well-draining, humus-rich soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. Consistent moisture benefits young plants, though established Maravillas tolerate some drought.
Water regularly, ensuring good soil drainage to prevent waterlogging. Established plants can endure less frequent watering. Fertilization is typically unnecessary unless soil quality is poor. For potted plants or nutrient-deficient soil, a slow-release fertilizer or water-soluble feed every few weeks encourages robust growth and flowering.
To promote continuous blooming, deadhead spent flowers regularly. Pinching back young main shoots also encourages a bushier habit. These plants are resilient to most pests and diseases, making them a low-maintenance choice.
Important Maravilla Plant Considerations
All parts of the Maravilla plant, especially the seeds, are toxic if ingested. Caution is needed when handling the plant, particularly around children and pets, to prevent accidental consumption. Always wash hands after gardening with this plant.
The Maravilla plant has a vigorous self-seeding habit, readily dropping seeds that germinate into new plants. While this can be advantageous for naturalizing an area or ensuring a continuous display, it can also lead to aggressive spreading. To manage its spread and prevent it from becoming weedy, deadhead flowers before they produce mature seeds.