Mirabilis jalapa or Marvels of Peru as it is commonly known is a tender perennial. The plant is also known as Four O’clock and is a fast growing bushy plant. Four O’Clock received its name because of its habit of opening in the late afternoon. It is not actually the time of day that causes the flowers to open, but the drop in temperature. They open in the evening and wilt the next morning. Marvels of Peru produces handsome, fragrant flowers that are borne singly or in clusters, and can be red, magenta, pink, yellow or white, and sometimes with more than one color on the same plant.

This is a wonderful addition to an evening garden. Once even one flower opens, a rich fragrance is released into the surrounding air. The plant attracts hummingbirds and butterflies.