Narrowleaf Four O'clock
Mirabilis linearis
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Narrowleaf Four O'clock (Mirabilis linearis) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–24" H × 12"–18" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AZ, CA, CO, KS and 12 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, moths
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Narrowleaf four o'clock is a compact perennial wildflower with slender leaves and small tubular flowers that open in late afternoon. This drought-tolerant native produces blooms from June through September in shades of pink, purple, or white. The plant forms neat, low mounds that work well in sunny, dry locations.
In an HOA neighborhood
Narrowleaf 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.
- May be perceived as too wild or weedy for front yard use
- Evening-blooming flowers may not provide daytime visual appeal
- Native wildflower appearance conflicts with traditional landscaping expectations
Wildlife value
The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and night-flying moths with their nectar. The evening blooming habit makes this particularly valuable for sphinx moths and other nocturnal pollinators.
Common questions
- How much sun does Narrowleaf Four O'clock need?
- Narrowleaf Four O'clock grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Narrowleaf Four O'clock bloom?
- Narrowleaf Four O'clock blooms in June, July, August, and September.
- Where is Narrowleaf Four O'clock native?
- Narrowleaf Four O'clock (Mirabilis linearis) is native to AZ, CA, CO, KS and 12 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Narrowleaf Four O'clock attract?
- Narrowleaf Four O'clock draws bees, butterflies, and moths.
- Is Narrowleaf Four O'clock HOA-friendly?
- Narrowleaf 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 vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Narrowleaf 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