Mirabilis Laevis Var. Crassifolia
Contents
Description
Mirabilis Laevis Var. Crassifolia, also known as the Desert Four O’Clock, is a unique plant species that is native to the American Southwest. The plant is known for its beautiful flowers that bloom in the late afternoon and early evening, hence the name Four O’Clock. The flowers are typically a bright pink or purple color, but can also be white or yellow. This plant is a great addition to any garden and is easy to care for.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Magnoliophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Nyctaginaceae |
| Genus | Mirabilis |
Appearance
The Desert Four O’Clock is a small, bushy plant that grows to about 2 feet tall and wide. The leaves are thick and succulent, and are typically a gray-green color. The flowers are trumpet-shaped and bloom in clusters. They are typically a bright pink or purple color, but can also be white or yellow. The flowers are fragrant and attract butterflies and hummingbirds.
Care Guide
The Desert Four O’Clock is a very easy plant to care for. Here are some tips:
- Water: The plant is drought-tolerant and only needs to be watered once a week in the summer and once a month in the winter.
- Fertilization: The plant does not require much fertilizer, but you can use a general-purpose fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate a range of soil types.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in zones 7-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Desert Four O’Clock is generally a healthy plant that is not prone to many pests or diseases. However, here are some things to watch out for:
- Pests: The plant can be susceptible to spider mites and aphids. Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Diseases: The plant can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered. Make sure the soil is well-draining.
Habitat
The Desert Four O’Clock is native to the American Southwest and can be found in desert regions. It prefers dry, sandy soil and can tolerate extreme heat and drought.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the Desert Four O’Clock be grown indoors?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown indoors in a sunny window.
Q: How often should I prune the plant?
A: Prune the plant in the spring to remove any dead or damaged branches.
Q: Can the plant be propagated from cuttings?
A: Yes, the plant can be propagated from stem cuttings taken in the spring or summer.
Q: How long do the flowers last?
A: The flowers typically last for one day, but the plant produces new flowers every day.
Related Plants
- Mirabilis Jalapa
- Mirabilis Hirsuta
- Mirabilis Longiflora
References
- “Mirabilis Laevis.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, University of Texas at Austin, www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=MILA7.
- “Mirabilis Laevis Var. Crassifolia.” Arizona State University, www.public.asu.edu/~camartin/plants/Plant%20html%20files/mirabilislaevisvarcrassifolia.html.
- “Desert Four O’Clock.” National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, www.nps.gov/plants/colorado/acadia/mirabilis.htm.
