Wild Four O'clock Plant, Heartleaf four o'clock
Mirabilis nyctaginea

Family: Nyctaginaceae

What it is like

Mirabilis nyctaginea is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8 and is frost tender. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 1

Where it is found

Prairies and rich soil. Often found in calcareous clay soils.

N. America - Wisconsin to Mexico.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 2

The chewed root is used as a poultice for wounds, burns, sores, sprains etc. A tea made from the roots is also used to treat burns, fevers and to expel worms. A tea made from the leaves or the roots is used in the treatment of bladder ailments. Caution is advised in the use of this plant internally, see notes above on toxicity.

Vulnerary: Promotes the healing of wounds.

Other

Rating: 0

How it is grown

Requires a fertile well-drained soil in full sun or part-day shade. Plants flower in their first year from seed and, although they are not very hardy in Britain, they can either be grown as half-hardy annuals or the tubers can be harvested in the autumn and stored overwinter in a cool frost-free place in much the same manner as dahlias. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer.

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in early summer, after the last expected frosts. The seed remains viable for several years. Division in spring as the plant comes into growth.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 7-10

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

One report says that the plant is considered poisonous, but gives no details.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Oxybaphus nictagineus.