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umbrellaworts (Mirabilis)
The umbrellaworts (Mirabilis) are a group of plants notable for their showy and very fragrant flowers. These plants are often referred to as umbrellaworts because they tend to bloom in the late afternoon. Several species are cultivated as ornamentals, and many form deep, tuberous roots. One of these tubers, M. expansa, is grown as a crop in the Andean region, where it is called mauka or chago.
Lifespan
Annual
Plant Type
Herb/Vine
Key Facts About umbrellaworts
Feedback
Attributes of umbrellaworts
Leaf type
Deciduous
Ideal Temperature
20 - 38 ℃
Scientific Classification of umbrellaworts
Phylum
Vascular plants
Class
Dicotyledons
Order
Pinks, cacti, and allies
Family
Four o'clock
Genus
umbrellaworts
Distribution of umbrellaworts
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Distribution Map of umbrellaworts
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for umbrellaworts
Feedback
Umbrellaworts, often referred to as 'Four O'Clocks', require moderate care. They thrive in sunlight or partial shade, with well-drained soil and regular watering, while being tolerant of various temperatures. They are prone to challenges such as aphids and spider mites, and fungal diseases aggravated by overwatering. During winter, in colder climates, they should be brought indoors or treated as annuals. With attention during the growing season, umbrellaworts's colorful flowers will add a delightful splash to gardens and landscapes.
Exploring the umbrellaworts Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
Four o'clock flower
Four o'clock flower (Mirabilis jalapa), also known as the marvel of Peru, is a perennial, herbaceous, bushy plant with fragrant, showy flowers, commonly cultivated for ornamental purposes. During bloom time, its flowers are closed most of the day; they open between four and eight o'clock, hence the common name four o'clock flower.
Wild four o'clock
The wild four o'clock, or Mirabilis nyctaginea, is a perennial flower. Mirabilis nyctaginea means marvelous, describing the beautiful, self-seeding flowers that open in the late afternoon and fall by morning. This flower is easy to grow and drought tolerant, although it will tolerate summer rains well.
Desert Wishbone-Bush
Desert Wishbone-Bush (Mirabilis laevis) is an evergreen perennial plant named for the wishbone shape of its stems. Blooms spring to early summer with white to pale pink flowers. Funnel-shaped blossoms open in the evening and wither by mid-morning.
Colorado four o'clock
Colorado four o'clock (Mirabilis multiflora) is a perennial herbaceous shrub native to the southwestern United States. This beautiful wildflower can bloom with hundreds of bright pink, tubular flowers from a single plant. Flowers open in afternoon and close the following morning, as the common name implies. It is a popular choice for gardening in arid spaces as it requires very little water.
Narrowleaf four o'clock
Mirabilis linearis is a semidesert wildflower native to Mexico. Although the flowers of narrowleaf four o'clock are commonly pink, there are variations with yellow, purple, or red flowers. It's distinguished from other Mirabilis species by its narrow leaves, hence its botanical epithet 'linearis,' which refers to its leaves.
Sweet four o'clock
Sweet four o'clock is commonly found growing in mixed oak and pine forests and streambeds. It is known as "sweet four o'clock" for its fragrant flowers that open in the late afternoon. They bloom through the evening and attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
White four o'clock
One look at the name will tell you the best time to observe the beauty of the White four o'clock: at sunrise or very early in the morning. After that, the flowers of white four o'clock start to close. The species is very similar to the Wild four o'clock (Mirabilis nyctaginea) but as one of its other names indicates, the Hairy four o'clock is distinguishable from other Mirabilis species by its dense hairs.
Scarlet four o'clock
Scarlet four o'clock displays vivid scarlet flowers that open in the evening and wilt by morning, earning it the nickname 'four o'clock'. This striking perennial thrives in arid conditions, its deep taproot allowing survival through droughts. Its heart-shaped leaves and bushy growth habit make it a resilient and attractive choice for dry gardens.
All Species of umbrellaworts
Four o'clock flower
Four o'clock flower
Four o'clock flower (Mirabilis jalapa), also known as the marvel of Peru, is a perennial, herbaceous, bushy plant with fragrant, showy flowers, commonly cultivated for ornamental purposes. During bloom time, its flowers are closed most of the day; they open between four and eight o'clock, hence the common name four o'clock flower.
Wild four o'clock
Wild four o'clock
The wild four o'clock, or Mirabilis nyctaginea, is a perennial flower. Mirabilis nyctaginea means marvelous, describing the beautiful, self-seeding flowers that open in the late afternoon and fall by morning. This flower is easy to grow and drought tolerant, although it will tolerate summer rains well.
Desert Wishbone-Bush
Desert Wishbone-Bush
Desert Wishbone-Bush (Mirabilis laevis) is an evergreen perennial plant named for the wishbone shape of its stems. Blooms spring to early summer with white to pale pink flowers. Funnel-shaped blossoms open in the evening and wither by mid-morning.
Colorado four o'clock
Colorado four o'clock
Colorado four o'clock (Mirabilis multiflora) is a perennial herbaceous shrub native to the southwestern United States. This beautiful wildflower can bloom with hundreds of bright pink, tubular flowers from a single plant. Flowers open in afternoon and close the following morning, as the common name implies. It is a popular choice for gardening in arid spaces as it requires very little water.
Narrowleaf four o'clock
Narrowleaf four o'clock
Mirabilis linearis is a semidesert wildflower native to Mexico. Although the flowers of narrowleaf four o'clock are commonly pink, there are variations with yellow, purple, or red flowers. It's distinguished from other Mirabilis species by its narrow leaves, hence its botanical epithet 'linearis,' which refers to its leaves.
Sweet four o'clock
Sweet four o'clock
Sweet four o'clock is commonly found growing in mixed oak and pine forests and streambeds. It is known as "sweet four o'clock" for its fragrant flowers that open in the late afternoon. They bloom through the evening and attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
White four o'clock
White four o'clock
One look at the name will tell you the best time to observe the beauty of the White four o'clock: at sunrise or very early in the morning. After that, the flowers of white four o'clock start to close. The species is very similar to the Wild four o'clock (Mirabilis nyctaginea) but as one of its other names indicates, the Hairy four o'clock is distinguishable from other Mirabilis species by its dense hairs.
Scarlet four o'clock
Scarlet four o'clock
Scarlet four o'clock displays vivid scarlet flowers that open in the evening and wilt by morning, earning it the nickname 'four o'clock'. This striking perennial thrives in arid conditions, its deep taproot allowing survival through droughts. Its heart-shaped leaves and bushy growth habit make it a resilient and attractive choice for dry gardens.
Wishbone-bush
Wishbone-bush
Wishbone-bush is a hardy desert perennial with a bushy form and fragrant, trumpet-shaped flowers. Its green, heart-shaped leaves and woody base support vibrant blooms that open in the evening. Adapted to arid conditions, wishbone-bush's hairy foliage conserves moisture, while its deep taproot searches for water, making it resilient in challenging climates.
Broad-leaved four-o'clock
Broad-leaved four-o'clock
Broad-leaved four-o'clock boasts broad, heart-shaped leaves that gather sunlight during its extended twilight blooming period. Characterized by vividly colored, trumpet-shaped flowers, it emits a sweet fragrance to attract evening pollinators. This night-blooming beauty thrives in well-drained soils, leveraging the cooler nighttime moisture to sustain its luminous blossoms.
Longlobe four o'clock
Longlobe four o'clock
Longlobe four o'clock is characterized by its slender, fine-leafed foliage, which provides an airy appearance. It typically bears delicate, trumpet-shaped flowers that add a vibrant splash of color. The plant's modest stature allows it to thrive in environments with limited space, relying on its deep root system to tolerate droughts, embodying resilience in arid habitats.
California four o'clock
California four o'clock
California four o'clock is a hardy perennial with a bushy habit, flaunting fragrant, trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom in the evening. Its thick, ovate leaves and stout stems are adapted to arid environments, conserving moisture for survival. This variety is known for its resilience and low-maintenance growth, thriving in dry, rocky soils with minimal water.
Wishbone-bush
Wishbone-bush
Characterized by its trumpet-shaped, fragrant flowers that bloom in the evening, wishbone-bush is a hardy perennial thriving in arid conditions. It displays broad, ovate leaves and a sprawling habit, often forming dense mounds that offer a burst of color in desert landscapes. Its adaptability to poor soils and drought make it a resilient species, while its flowers attract nighttime pollinators.
More Popular Genus
Feedback
Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
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About
Key Facts
Distribution
How To Care
All Species
More Genus
umbrellaworts
Mirabilis
The umbrellaworts (Mirabilis) are a group of plants notable for their showy and very fragrant flowers. These plants are often referred to as umbrellaworts because they tend to bloom in the late afternoon. Several species are cultivated as ornamentals, and many form deep, tuberous roots. One of these tubers, M. expansa, is grown as a crop in the Andean region, where it is called mauka or chago.
Lifespan
Annual
Plant Type
Herb/Vine
Key Facts About umbrellaworts
Feedback
Attributes of umbrellaworts
Leaf type
Deciduous
Ideal Temperature
20 - 38 ℃
Scientific Classification of umbrellaworts
Phylum
Vascular plants Class
Dicotyledons Order
Pinks, cacti, and allies Family
Four o'clock Genus
umbrellaworts Distribution of umbrellaworts
Feedback
Distribution Map of umbrellaworts
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for umbrellaworts
Feedback
Umbrellaworts, often referred to as 'Four O'Clocks', require moderate care. They thrive in sunlight or partial shade, with well-drained soil and regular watering, while being tolerant of various temperatures. They are prone to challenges such as aphids and spider mites, and fungal diseases aggravated by overwatering. During winter, in colder climates, they should be brought indoors or treated as annuals. With attention during the growing season, umbrellaworts's colorful flowers will add a delightful splash to gardens and landscapes.
Exploring the umbrellaworts Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
Four o'clock flower
Four o'clock flower (Mirabilis jalapa), also known as the marvel of Peru, is a perennial, herbaceous, bushy plant with fragrant, showy flowers, commonly cultivated for ornamental purposes. During bloom time, its flowers are closed most of the day; they open between four and eight o'clock, hence the common name four o'clock flower.
Wild four o'clock
The wild four o'clock, or Mirabilis nyctaginea, is a perennial flower. Mirabilis nyctaginea means marvelous, describing the beautiful, self-seeding flowers that open in the late afternoon and fall by morning. This flower is easy to grow and drought tolerant, although it will tolerate summer rains well.
Desert Wishbone-Bush
Desert Wishbone-Bush (Mirabilis laevis) is an evergreen perennial plant named for the wishbone shape of its stems. Blooms spring to early summer with white to pale pink flowers. Funnel-shaped blossoms open in the evening and wither by mid-morning.
Colorado four o'clock
Colorado four o'clock (Mirabilis multiflora) is a perennial herbaceous shrub native to the southwestern United States. This beautiful wildflower can bloom with hundreds of bright pink, tubular flowers from a single plant. Flowers open in afternoon and close the following morning, as the common name implies. It is a popular choice for gardening in arid spaces as it requires very little water.
Show More Species
All Species of umbrellaworts
More Popular Genus
Feedback
Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
Nearly 5 years of research
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
