How to Grow and Care for Maravilla Plant

The Maravilla plant, known botanically as Mirabilis jalapa, is a garden favorite celebrated for its vibrant blooms. Its most popular common name, the “four o’clock flower,” comes from the plant’s habit of opening its flowers in the late afternoon, typically between 4 and 8 p.m. These trumpet-shaped blossoms remain open through the night, releasing a sweet fragrance before closing the next morning.

Native to the tropical regions of the Americas, it is also called the “marvel of Peru.” Its colorful flowers can be pink, red, yellow, or white, and sometimes multiple colors appear on a single plant. This evening bloom cycle makes it particularly valuable for attracting nocturnal pollinators, such as hawk moths and hummingbirds.

Planting Maravilla

The ideal time to plant Maravilla is in the spring, once all danger of frost has passed. Gardeners have two primary methods for starting these plants: using seeds or planting the tuberous roots. When planting from seed, it is beneficial to soak them overnight in water. Sow the seeds no more than a quarter-inch deep, as they respond well to light during the germination process.

For those starting with tubers, they should be planted about three to four inches deep. Maravilla thrives in a spot that receives full sun, meaning at least six hours of direct sunlight per day, although it can tolerate partial shade. The soil should be well-draining to prevent water from pooling around the tuberous roots, which can lead to rot. A humus-rich soil is preferred, but the plant is adaptable to various soil types. When setting out multiple plants, space them 12 to 24 inches apart to allow for their bushy, sprawling habit.

Maravilla Care Guide

Once established, Maravilla plants are relatively low-maintenance and have good drought tolerance. During particularly hot and dry periods, however, they benefit from consistent moisture. Water when the top one to two inches of soil feel dry to the touch, providing a deep soaking about once a week. Container-grown plants will require more frequent watering than those planted in the ground, as the soil dries out faster.

These plants are not heavy feeders and perform well without supplemental fertilizer, especially if planted in rich soil. If a boost is desired, a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer can be applied monthly during the growing season. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, is not required for this plant to continue blooming, but it can maintain a neater appearance.

In colder climates, specifically USDA hardiness zones 8 and below, the tuberous roots will not survive the winter in the ground. To preserve the plant for the following year, the tubers can be dug up after the first frost has caused the foliage to die back. The soil should be gently shaken off the roots, and they can be stored in a cool, dry, and frost-free location, such as a basement or garage.

How to Propagate Maravilla

New Maravilla plants can be created through two simple methods: collecting seeds or dividing the tuberous roots. The plant readily produces a large number of seeds. After the flowers fade, small, black, pea-sized seeds will form. These should be collected once they are mature and fully hardened. The seeds can be stored in a dry place, such as a paper envelope, over the winter and planted directly into the garden the following spring after the last frost.

Alternatively, new plants can be grown by dividing the fleshy, tuberous roots. This is best done in the spring, just before planting time. Carefully dig up the stored tuber and use a clean, sharp knife to cut it into sections. Ensure each piece has at least one “eye” or growing point. These divisions can then be planted as you would a whole tuber.

Common Issues and Considerations

Maravilla plants are robust and experience few significant problems with pests or diseases. They may attract common garden pests like aphids, which can be managed with a strong spray of water or insecticidal soap. Rust and leaf spot diseases can occur, but providing good air circulation by properly spacing plants can help prevent these fungal issues.

A primary consideration when growing this plant is its toxicity. All parts of the Mirabilis jalapa, especially the seeds, are poisonous if ingested. The large, dark seeds can be attractive to children, so exercise caution and keep them away from kids and pets.

In many climates, the Maravilla plant can self-seed quite readily, sometimes to the point of becoming invasive. Depending on a gardener’s goals, this can be either a welcome trait that fills a space with color or a tendency that requires management to keep it in check.