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Description
Mirabilis Coccinea, commonly known as the four o’clock plant, is a beautiful and versatile flowering plant that belongs to the Nyctaginaceae family. It is native to South America, but it has been naturalized in many other parts of the world. The plant is named after its unique blooming habit, where its flowers open in the late afternoon, and they remain open until the next morning.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain| Eukarya||————|————|| Kingdom| Plantae|| Phylum| Magnoliophyta || Class| Magnoliopsida || Order| Caryophyllales || Family| Nyctaginaceae || Genus| Mirabilis|| Species| Mirabilis Coccinea |
Appearance
Mirabilis Coccinea is a herbaceous perennial plant that can grow up to 60-90 cm in height. It has a bushy growth habit, with a spreading habit that can reach up to 90 cm in width. The leaves are ovate, velvety, and dark green in color. The flowers are tubular, funnel-shaped, and come in a variety of colors, including pink, red, yellow, and white. The flowers bloom from mid-summer to early autumn and have a sweet fragrance.
Care Guide
Mirabilis Coccinea is a low-maintenance plant that requires little care. Here is a guide to its care:- Water: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is kept evenly moist. Water the plant deeply once a week, or more frequently in hot, dry weather.- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer during the growing season.- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining, fertile soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy and clay soils.- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but it may not bloom as well.- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 9-11. In colder zones, the plant can be grown as an annual or dug up and overwintered indoors.
Common Pests & Diseases
Mirabilis Coccinea is generally pest and disease-free. However, it may be susceptible to spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies. It may also be affected by fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew and root rot. To prevent these problems, ensure that the plant is grown in well-draining soil, and avoid overwatering.
Habitat
Mirabilis Coccinea is native to South America, where it grows in a variety of habitats, including open fields, roadsides, and forests. It has been naturalized in many other parts of the world, including Africa, Asia, and North America. The plant prefers warm, sunny climates and can tolerate drought and heat.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Mirabilis Coccinea a perennial or an annual plant?A: Mirabilis Coccinea is a perennial plant in USDA zones 9-11, and an annual plant in colder zones.Q: How often should I water my Mirabilis Coccinea plant?A: Water your Mirabilis Coccinea plant deeply once a week, or more frequently in hot, dry weather.Q: What is the blooming habit of Mirabilis Coccinea?A: Mirabilis Coccinea flowers open in the late afternoon and remain open until the next morning.Q: What is the hardiness zone of Mirabilis Coccinea?A: Mirabilis Coccinea is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Related Plants
– Mirabilis Jalapa- Mirabilis Longiflora- Mirabilis Hirsuta- Mirabilis Xalapa
References
– PlantZAfrica.com. (n.d.). Mirabilis coccinea. Retrieved from https://www.plantzafrica.com/plantklm/miracocc.htm- The Old Farmer’s Almanac. (n.d.). Four O’Clocks. Retrieved from https://www.almanac.com/plant/four-oclocks
