About Four O'Clock Flower
A beloved old-fashioned garden plant named for its habit of opening its fragrant, trumpet-shaped flowers around 4 PM each afternoon, staying open through the night, and closing by morning. Flowers come in a dazzling array of colors — pink, red, yellow, white, and even multi-colored or striped — often with different color flowers appearing on the same plant. It grows from tuberous roots and can become a bushy, spreading plant reaching 60-90 cm tall. Four O'Clock Flower belongs to the Nyctaginaceae family and originates from Peru and tropical Americas; naturalized throughout the Philippines and tropical Asia for centuries..
Alas-kwatro is one of the most nostalgic and widely recognized garden plants in the Philippines. Nearly every lola's garden has had this plant at some point. Filipino children often play with the seeds, and the flowers feature in childhood memories of late-afternoon play. It thrives in virtually every province from Batanes to Mindanao, self-sowing along roadsides, vacant lots, and bahay-kubo gardens. The Filipino name 'alas-kwatro' directly references the 4 PM opening time. Seeds and plants are practically free — shared enthusiastically among neighbors and often popping up uninvited in gardens.
Also known as: Buenas Tardes, Marvel of Peru, Beauty of the Night.
Popular Varieties
- Mirabilis jalapa (mixed colors — pink, red, yellow, white, bicolor)
- Mirabilis jalapa 'Broken Colors' (streaked and speckled flowers)
- Mirabilis jalapa 'Jingles' (compact dwarf variety, ideal for pots)
- Mirabilis jalapa 'Marbles Mix' (marbled multicolor patterns)
How to Plant Four O'Clock Flower in the Philippines
Four O'Clock Flower can be propagated through seeds, tuberous roots, stem cuttings. The recommended method is seeds (self-sow readily) or division of tuberous roots.
Propagation Steps
- Step 1: Collect the large, round black seeds after flowers fade — they drop easily when ripe.
- Step 2: Soak seeds in water overnight to speed germination.
- Step 3: Sow directly in garden soil 1 cm deep, spaced 30 cm apart.
- Step 4: Water regularly — seeds germinate in 7-14 days.
- Step 5: Alternatively, dig up and divide tuberous roots during dry season and replant.
Care Guide
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade (blooms open in late afternoon regardless of light, but plants grow bushier in full sun). Position your four o'clock flower where it receives the right amount of light for healthy growth in Philippine conditions.
Water
Water 2-3 times per week during dry season. Very tolerant of irregular watering once established due to tuberous roots. Adjust frequency during the Philippine rainy season when humidity is higher and soil stays moist longer.
Temperature & Humidity
Ideal temperature range: 25-35°C (perfectly adapted to Philippine tropical climate). Moderate to high — thrives in Philippine humidity The warm, humid Philippine climate is well-suited for growing four o'clock flower outdoors or indoors.
Fertilizer
Light feeding with balanced fertilizer (14-14-14) monthly during growing season. Over-fertilizing produces leaves at the expense of flowers.
Pruning
Pinch growing tips when young to encourage branching. Cut back old growth after flowering season. May die back in cooler highland areas but regrows from tubers.
Toxicity & Safety
Seeds and roots are mildly toxic if ingested. Can cause nausea and vomiting. Keep seeds away from small children.
Common Problems & Solutions
Plants become invasive and spread everywhere
Cause: Prolific self-seeding — seeds scatter and germinate easily
Solution: Deadhead spent flowers before seeds form. Pull out unwanted seedlings regularly. Grow in containers to control spread.
Aphids clustering on new growth
Cause: Soft new shoots attract aphids, especially during dry season
Solution: Blast off with water spray. Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap if infestation is heavy.
Rust spots on leaves
Cause: Fungal rust disease, common during wet season
Solution: Remove and discard affected leaves. Improve air circulation. Apply fungicide if widespread.
Plants leggy with few flowers
Cause: Too much shade or crowding
Solution: Move to a sunnier spot. Thin out overcrowded plantings. Pinch tips to encourage bushier growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you care for Four O'Clock Flower in the Philippines?
Four O'Clock Flower needs full sun to partial shade (blooms open in late afternoon regardless of light, but plants grow bushier in full sun). Water 2-3 times per week during dry season. very tolerant of irregular watering once established due to tuberous roots.. Feed with light feeding with balanced fertilizer (14-14-14) monthly during growing season. over-fertilizing produces leaves at the expense of flowers.. The Philippine climate with temperatures of 25-35°C (perfectly adapted to Philippine tropical climate) works well for this plant.
How do you propagate Four O'Clock Flower?
The recommended method is seeds (self-sow readily) or division of tuberous roots. Collect the large, round black seeds after flowers fade — they drop easily when ripe. Soak seeds in water overnight to speed germination.
Is Four O'Clock Flower toxic to pets or children?
Seeds and roots are mildly toxic if ingested. Can cause nausea and vomiting. Keep seeds away from small children.
Can Four O'Clock Flower grow in containers in the Philippines?
Yes, Four O'Clock Flower grows well in containers and is suitable for balcony and indoor gardening in Metro Manila condos and apartments. Use a pot with drainage holes and appropriate potting mix.
What are common problems when growing Four O'Clock Flower?
Common issues include: Plants become invasive and spread everywhere (caused by prolific self-seeding — seeds scatter and germinate easily — deadhead spent flowers before seeds form. pull out unwanted seedlings regularly. grow in containers to control spread); Aphids clustering on new growth (caused by soft new shoots attract aphids, especially during dry season — blast off with water spray. apply neem oil or insecticidal soap if infestation is heavy); Rust spots on leaves (caused by fungal rust disease, common during wet season — remove and discard affected leaves. improve air circulation. apply fungicide if widespread).
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