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mirabilis jalapa
1 1/2 inch diameter flower on a 3 foot tall "weed"; very fragrant
spotted on the side of a dirt road in a vacant lot
Dang if you don't learn something new EVERY time you go to this site! I've known four o'clocks forever but only as the fragrant near-purple flowers that bloom in the late afternoon. These yellow and varigated blooms were real exciting to see. Then I find out that...well, see the reference link; really interesting.
8 Comments
lovely. the first spotting is interesting, half yellow, half pink, well done nature! :)
Thank you, Courtney. They are the most striking flowers. These plants return every year from tuberous roots. This particular one has produced only yellow flowers this year; maybe they're just moody that way.
Such amazing flowers! Nice spotting.
AtomicAnti, I grew up in South Bend, IN and we did the same thing, grew them every year from seed we saved. The black seeds looked like little hand grenades to me.
I trim a wayward branch every two weeks. It doesn't seem to affect the blooming. Plus trimming keeps the plant in shape and in place.
Ian, Iknow what you mean about 'overgrowing': the patch I have threatens to engulf the fig tree every year. And the smell rivals even the confederate jasmine.
Lucky for us here, for this plant grows all year round! One just have to constantly trim these fragrant ornamental to keep its shape and prevent from "overgrowing". And yes, I also look forward to late afternoons to stop and smell these flowers!
I grew a patch of these every year as a kid (in NW Indiana near Chicago), using the seeds from the prior year. The seeds are so easy to save on these plants. It is my favorite flower smell ever. I would look forward to late afternoons in the summer when they would open up. I think I may go get some seeds and grow some again!