MacFarlane’s Four O’Clock: A Rare Desert Gem Worth Protecting
If you’re drawn to rare and unusual native plants, MacFarlane’s four o’clock (Mirabilis macfarlanei) might catch your attention. But before you start planning where to plant this unique perennial, there’s something important you need to know: this little beauty is one of America’s most endangered wildflowers.
What Makes This Plant So Special?
MacFarlane’s four o’clock is a low-growing perennial forb that produces delicate white to pale pink tubular flowers. True to its four o’clock name, these blooms have a charming habit of opening in the late afternoon and evening, creating a subtle but magical display as the day winds down. The heart-shaped leaves provide an attractive backdrop to the evening flower show.
This isn’t your typical garden center find, though. As a threatened species with only 6 to 20 known populations remaining in the wild, MacFarlane’s four o’clock holds a Global Conservation Status of S2, meaning it’s imperiled and extremely vulnerable to extinction.
Where Does It Come From?
This rare native has an incredibly limited natural range, found only in the rugged Snake River canyon along the Idaho-Oregon border, particularly in the Hell’s Canyon area. It clings to life on dry, rocky slopes and canyon walls where few other plants can survive.
Should You Grow MacFarlane’s Four O’Clock?
Here’s where things get complicated. While this plant is undeniably fascinating, growing it comes with serious responsibilities and challenges:
- Conservation concerns: Only attempt to grow this plant if you can source it responsibly from reputable native plant specialists or conservation programs
- Specialized needs: It requires very specific growing conditions that are difficult to replicate outside its native habitat
- Legal considerations: Check local and federal regulations before attempting to grow threatened species
Growing Conditions and Care
If you’re committed to conservation and have access to responsibly sourced plants or seeds, MacFarlane’s four o’clock needs:
- Excellent drainage: Think rocky, gravelly soil that drains immediately after watering
- Minimal water: This desert dweller is adapted to survive on very little moisture
- Full sun: Loves bright, direct sunlight
- USDA Zones 5-8: Can handle some cold but needs protection from excessive moisture
- Rocky or sandy soil: Mimics its natural canyon habitat
Perfect For…
MacFarlane’s four o’clock works best in:
- Specialized rock gardens
- Native plant conservation collections
- Xerophytic (dry) gardens
- Educational or botanical garden displays
Wildlife and Pollinator Benefits
Despite its rarity, this plant plays an important ecological role. Its evening-blooming flowers attract moths and other nocturnal pollinators, making it a valuable resource for nighttime garden visitors that are often overlooked in typical landscape planning.
The Bottom Line
MacFarlane’s four o’clock is more than just a pretty plant—it’s a conservation priority. While it’s not suitable for most home gardens due to its specialized needs and endangered status, it represents the incredible diversity of our native flora and the importance of protecting rare species.
If you’re inspired by this plant but can’t grow it responsibly, consider supporting conservation organizations working to protect its habitat or explore other native Mirabilis species that might be more appropriate for your garden. Sometimes the best way to appreciate a rare plant is to help ensure it survives in the wild for future generations to discover.
