This is probably to early to ID, but I thought I'd ask anyhow. Hubby thinks it a 4 o'clock and that's very possible. I had tried starting some from seed this past winter and they never sprouted. So I tossed them, dirt and all into this flower bed (along with other stuff that didn't sprout). It's only about 1 to 1.5 feet tall... and I'm not sure it'll get to blooming stage this year. So... any ideas just from the leaves? possibly a 4 o'clock? ( photo / image / picture from cherylad's Garden )
Mirabilis jalapa (Marvel of Peru, Four O'Clock Flower) check out the leaves in the photos. My 4 o'clocks are standing up straight on thick stems so I am really not sure
I kinda think so :-D Mine are GORGEOUS this year!! DonM sent me the seeds. If you'd like I'll save some seeds for you
If they're Mirabilis jalapa, they should have a prominent swelling at the nodes, and possibly a reddish tint at nodes, and/or along the stems. Really should be blooming if that's what it is, though. Too much shade?
Netty... the stems are round. Purple... I did notice something that looked like a promising bud. It just came up about a month ago. And yes, it's getting shade. If it really is a 4o'clock... do they die back in the winter? Would it be safe to dig it up and put in a pot into springtime and then transplant it in a better location?
Cheryl, if you're in Z8, it should be hardy, so would probably fare better in the ground to do its' natural thing. They make huge tubers under the soil. I would move it to more sun, either now or in the spring. A spot that gets sun all day until about 3-4 PM would be great so hopefully the flowers will open before you go to sleep. The alternative is a spot that is shady until about 11 AM (to try to catch the flowers in the morning.)
Purple... I'm in Zone 9A. I think I will leave it where it is until Spring... and then relocate it. In the meantime, I'll have to pay close attention to see where the shade hits around 3-4 o'clock. Thanks for the info.
You were all correct... it's a 4 o'clock. It bloomed yesterday. I was hoping it was a red one, but I like this one just fine. 4 o'clock ( photo / image / picture from cherylad's Garden )
Now that you all have figured this out, I have a question for all of you. Maybe some of our "fatplant" lovers can chime in. I have been totally confused about your post and my one plant. I have posted this (my) plant on educational websites for fatplant identification and no one had corrected my id on my plant there. The only thing I can figure out is that my plant is in a different family than your 4'oclocks. It is in Nyctaginaceae. What family is your plant in? Here is my plant. The leaf looks so much like yours and when it flowers it looks exactly the same. Barb in Pa.
