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Heartleaf Four O'clock

Mirabilis nyctaginea

Last reviewed: July 2026

Heartleaf Four O'clock (Mirabilis nyctaginea)
Photo: no rights reserved

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

12"–36" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, AR, CO, CT and 38 more states

Pollinators

bees, moths

Heartleaf four o'clock is a prairie wildflower that produces small, tubular pink or magenta flowers that open in late afternoon and evening. This drought-tolerant perennial forms a bushy clump with heart-shaped leaves and blooms continuously from summer through early fall. The plant goes dormant in winter, dying back to the ground before returning in spring.

In an HOA neighborhood

Heartleaf Four O'clock takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

  • Looks weedy and informal compared to typical landscaping
  • Dies back completely in winter leaving bare ground
  • May self-seed and appear in unwanted locations

Wildlife value

The evening-opening flowers attract night-flying moths and sphinx moths, while bees visit during early morning hours before blooms close. Seeds provide food for birds and small mammals.

Common questions

How much sun does Heartleaf Four O'clock need?
Heartleaf Four O'clock grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Heartleaf Four O'clock bloom?
Heartleaf Four O'clock blooms in June, July, August, and September.
Where is Heartleaf Four O'clock native?
Heartleaf Four O'clock (Mirabilis nyctaginea) is native to AL, AR, CO, CT and 38 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Heartleaf Four O'clock attract?
Heartleaf Four O'clock draws bees and moths.
Is Heartleaf Four O'clock HOA-friendly?
Heartleaf Four O'clock takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Heartleaf Four O'clock? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz