Description

General aspect and origins - Mirabilis jalapa, also known as four o'clocks, marvels of Peru or beauties of the night, are tuberous herbaceous perennials that are often grown as annuals. The fragrant flowers can be of various colors, and open in the evening.
Leaves - Leaves are opposite and pointed. They can be up to 4 in (10 cm) long.
Flowers - Four o'clock has tubular scented flowers, which are white, yellow, pink, red, or bicolor. Flowers open in the evening, and wilt the following morning.

Culture

Four o'clocks can be considered as returning perennials in regions where winter temperatures don't go bellow about 10°F (which corresponds to USDA zones 7b and warmer). In colder areas, it is advised to overwinter tubers in a frost free location. These plants can also simply be grown as annuals. All parts of this plant are said to be toxic when ingested.
Soil - Four o'clock can be grown in a large range of soils.

Propagation

These plants can be propagated by seeds or by tuber division.