Hairy Four O’Clock: A Prairie Native for Your Wildflower Garden
Looking for a low-maintenance native plant that brings evening magic to your garden? Meet the hairy four o’clock (Mirabilis hirsuta), a charming prairie perennial that’s perfect for gardeners who love naturalized landscapes and want to support local wildlife.
What Is Hairy Four O’Clock?
Hairy four o’clock is a native North American perennial forb—essentially a non-woody flowering plant that comes back year after year. True to its name, this plant is covered in fine hairs that give it a somewhat fuzzy appearance. You might also see it listed under its old botanical names, Allionia hirsuta or Oxybaphus hirsutus, but don’t let the scientific terminology intimidate you!
Where Does It Grow Naturally?
This prairie native has an impressive range across the lower 48 states, thriving in Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. That’s quite a geographic spread, making it adaptable to various climate conditions!
The Evening Show: What Makes It Special
Here’s where the magic happens—hairy four o’clock earned its four o’clock nickname because its small pink to magenta flowers open in the late afternoon and evening. These tubular blooms, about half an inch long, create a delightful evening display that’s particularly enchanting as the day winds down. The flowers attract night-flying moths, butterflies, and even hummingbirds who appreciate the nectar-rich blooms.
Why Grow Hairy Four O’Clock?
If you’re considering adding this native to your landscape, here are some compelling reasons:
- Drought tolerance: Once established, it handles dry conditions like a champ
- Low maintenance: This is not a high-drama plant—it pretty much takes care of itself
- Wildlife benefits: Supports native pollinators with its evening nectar buffet
- Native plant: Helps restore local ecosystems and supports indigenous wildlife
- Adaptable: Grows in various soil types, from sandy to clay to rocky
The Realistic Picture: Is It Right for Your Garden?
Let’s be honest—hairy four o’clock isn’t going to win any formal garden beauty contests. It has a somewhat sprawling, informal growth habit that some might call weedy looking. This plant is best suited for:
- Prairie restoration projects
- Naturalized wildflower gardens
- Drought-tolerant landscapes
- Areas where you want low-maintenance native plants
It’s probably not the best choice for formal flower beds or manicured landscapes where you want neat, tidy plants.
Growing Conditions and Care
Hairy four o’clock is refreshingly easy to please. Here’s what it needs to thrive:
Sunlight: Full sun is ideal, though it can tolerate some partial shade
Soil: Well-drained soil is essential. It’s not picky about soil type—sandy, clay, or rocky conditions all work
Water: Drought-tolerant once established. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root problems
Climate: Hardy in USDA zones 4-8, making it suitable for a wide range of climates
Planting and Maintenance Tips
Getting started with hairy four o’clock is straightforward:
- Seeding: Direct seed in fall or early spring when soil temperatures are cool
- Spacing: Give plants room to spread naturally
- Maintenance: Minimal care needed once established
- Pruning: Cut back in late fall or early spring if desired
- Self-seeding: Plants may self-seed readily, which is great for naturalizing but something to consider if you prefer controlled plantings
The Bottom Line
Hairy four o’clock is a fantastic choice for gardeners who want to support native ecosystems with minimal effort. While it may not be the showiest plant in your garden, its evening blooms, wildlife benefits, and practically indestructible nature make it a valuable addition to naturalized spaces. If you’re working on a prairie garden, drought-tolerant landscape, or simply want to add more native plants to your property, this unassuming perennial deserves a spot on your list.
Just remember—embrace its wild, natural character rather than trying to tame it, and you’ll discover the quiet charm that makes hairy four o’clock a prairie gardener’s secret weapon.
