Consulta Plantas

Care of the plant Mirabilis jalapa or Marvel of Peru

The genus Mirabilis, family Nyctaginaceae, comprises 60 species of herbaceous plants native to tropical regions of America. Some species are: Mirabilis jalapa, Mirabilis laevis, Mirabilis multiflora, Mirabilis longiflora.

Common names: Marvel of Peru, Four o'clock flower, Miracle Flower of Peru, Marvel of the world, Jalap plant, Garden jalap, Pretty-by-night, Japanese wonder flower, Pearl of Egypt. This species is native to Central and South America.

They are highly branched herbaceous plants that reach 90 cm (35.43") in height. The leaves are ovate-lanceolate and glossy green on the upper side and light green on the underside. The showy tube-shaped flowers reach 5 cm (1.96") in length and come in various colors: yellow, white, red and pink. The most curious thing about the flowers of this plant is that they open at sunset and close again at dawn; In addition, a plant can have flowers of different colors and even a flower has different colors in its petals and they change color over time. They bloom in summer and early fall.

These easy-to-grow plants are used in flower beds, in clusters next to a wall, as isolated specimens, in light understory, and in pots for patios, terraces, and balconies. They are ideal for Mediterranean coastal gardens.

Mirabilis jalapa needs full sun exposure and protected from the cold. They resist light and occasional frosts but it is better that the temperature does not drop below 8 ºC (46.4 ºF).

They prefer well-draining garden soil with plenty of humus. Planting is done in early summer.

Water frequently in summer and moderate watering in the other seasons. They have some resistance to drought.

Fertilize with manure in spring and every 15 days with mineral fertilizer during flowering.

They do not need pruning.

They are quite resistant to pests but can be attacked by aphids if they suffer severe drought.

They are easily propagated from seeds sown in a seedbed at 20 ºC (68 ºF). Transplant into small pots when the seedlings have several leaves and are planted in their final location when they reach 25 cm (9.84") in height.

Images of the plant Mirabilis jalapa or Marvel of Peru