Colorado Four O’Clock: A Charming Native Evening Bloomer for Drought-Tolerant Gardens
If you’re looking for a native plant that puts on a delightful evening show while requiring minimal water, the Colorado four o’clock (Mirabilis multiflora var. glandulosa) might just be your perfect match. This charming southwestern native has earned its common name from its habit of opening its fragrant flowers in the late afternoon, typically around 4 o’clock – though they’re definitely not sticklers for punctuality!
What Makes Colorado Four O’Clock Special
Colorado four o’clock is a perennial forb – basically a non-woody flowering plant that comes back year after year. Don’t let the technical term fool you; this is simply a lovely, low-growing plant that produces clusters of small, tubular flowers in shades of magenta to purple. The silvery-green foliage provides an attractive backdrop for the blooms and adds visual interest even when the plant isn’t flowering.
What really sets this plant apart is its evening performance. As the sun begins to set, the flowers open and release their sweet fragrance, creating a magical twilight experience in your garden. It’s like having your own personal evening entertainment system, courtesy of Mother Nature!
Native Range and Distribution
As a true native of the American Southwest, Colorado four o’clock naturally occurs across Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah. This impressive range speaks to the plant’s adaptability to various southwestern climates and conditions.
Why You’ll Love Growing Colorado Four O’Clock
There are plenty of reasons to fall in love with this undemanding native:
- Drought tolerance: Once established, it thrives with minimal water – perfect for water-wise gardening
- Pollinator magnet: The evening blooms attract moths, hummingbirds, and other twilight pollinators
- Low maintenance: This is definitely a plant it and forget it kind of perennial
- Evening fragrance: The sweet scent makes evening garden strolls extra special
- Native credentials: Supporting local ecosystems while reducing your garden’s environmental impact
Perfect Garden Settings
Colorado four o’clock shines in several garden styles:
- Xeriscape gardens: Its drought tolerance makes it ideal for water-conserving landscapes
- Rock gardens: The plant’s natural habitat preferences make it perfect among stones and gravel
- Native plant gardens: An authentic choice for southwestern native plantings
- Evening gardens: Perfect for spaces designed to be enjoyed during twilight hours
Growing Conditions and Care
The beauty of Colorado four o’clock lies in its simplicity. This plant thrives in conditions that would stress many other garden favorites:
- Sunlight: Full sun is best – at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily
- Soil: Well-draining sandy or rocky soil; avoid heavy, clay soils that hold moisture
- Water: Drought tolerant once established; water sparingly
- Hardiness: Suitable for USDA zones 4-9, showing impressive cold tolerance for a southwestern native
Planting and Care Tips
Getting started with Colorado four o’clock is refreshingly straightforward:
- Plant seeds directly in the garden in spring after the last frost, or start with nursery plants
- Space plants about 12-18 inches apart to allow for spreading
- Water regularly during the first growing season to help establish roots
- Once established, water only during extended dry periods
- Cut back dead foliage in late fall or early spring
- Divide clumps every few years if you want to propagate more plants
Supporting Wildlife
By choosing Colorado four o’clock, you’re not just adding beauty to your garden – you’re creating habitat. The evening blooms provide nectar for night-flying pollinators, including moths and hummingbirds that are active during twilight hours. This makes it an excellent choice for gardeners interested in supporting diverse pollinator communities beyond the typical daytime visitors.
Is Colorado Four O’Clock Right for Your Garden?
This native beauty is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a low-maintenance perennial that offers something different from typical garden flowers. Its evening blooming habit makes it perfect for gardeners who enjoy their outdoor spaces during the cooler evening hours, and its drought tolerance makes it ideal for sustainable, water-wise landscaping.
The only gardeners who might want to look elsewhere are those seeking showy, all-day blooms or plants that thrive in consistently moist conditions. But if you’re drawn to the idea of a fragrant evening garden that supports native wildlife while requiring minimal care, Colorado four o’clock might just become your new favorite native plant.
