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Description
Mirabilis Tenuiloba, also known as Narrow-lobed Four O’clock, is a flowering plant native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. This species belongs to the Nyctaginaceae family, which includes around 300 species of flowering plants.The plant produces beautiful pink or purple flowers that bloom in the late afternoon or early evening, giving it its common name. The flowers attract a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Magnoliophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Nyctaginaceae |
| Genus | Mirabilis |
Appearance
Mirabilis Tenuiloba is a low-growing plant that reaches a height of around 1 foot and a spread of 2 to 3 feet. The leaves of this plant are narrow and measure up to 4 inches in length. They are green in color and have a slightly hairy texture.The flowers of Mirabilis Tenuiloba are trumpet-shaped and measure around 1 inch in diameter. The blooms are pink or purple in color and have a pleasant fragrance. The flowers usually appear in the late summer or early fall and continue to bloom until the first frost.
Care Guide
Mirabilis Tenuiloba is an easy-to-care-for plant that thrives in full sun or partial shade. It prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy and rocky soils. This plant is drought-tolerant and does not require frequent watering, although it will benefit from regular watering during periods of extreme heat or dryness.Fertilization is not necessary for Mirabilis Tenuiloba, although a light application of a balanced fertilizer in the spring can help promote healthy growth. This plant is hardy in USDA zones 7 to 10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Mirabilis Tenuiloba is generally not susceptible to pests or diseases. However, it can occasionally be affected by spider mites, which can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Overwatering can also lead to root rot, so it’s important to ensure that the soil is well-draining.
Habitat
Mirabilis Tenuiloba is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, where it can be found growing in rocky or sandy soils in desert and semi-arid regions. This plant is well-suited to xeriscaping and can be used in water-wise landscaping designs.
Question and Answer
Q: When do the flowers of Mirabilis Tenuiloba bloom?
A: The flowers of Mirabilis Tenuiloba bloom in the late afternoon or early evening.
Q: Is Mirabilis Tenuiloba drought-tolerant?
A: Yes, Mirabilis Tenuiloba is drought-tolerant and does not require frequent watering.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Mirabilis Tenuiloba?
A: Mirabilis Tenuiloba is hardy in USDA zones 7 to 10.
Q: What kind of soil does Mirabilis Tenuiloba prefer?
A: Mirabilis Tenuiloba prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy and rocky soils.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Mirabilis Tenuiloba:
- Mirabilis Jalapa
- Mirabilis Longiflora
- Mirabilis Expansa
References
- “Mirabilis Tenuiloba.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 3 Aug. 2021. <https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=275526&isprofile=0&basic=mirabilis%20tenuiloba>
- “Mirabilis Tenuiloba.” Arizona State University. Accessed 3 Aug. 2021. <https://cals.arizona.edu/yavapaiplants/SpeciesDetail.php?genus=Mirabilis&species=tenuiloba>
- “Nyctaginaceae.” Wikipedia. Accessed 3 Aug. 2021. <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nyctaginaceae>
