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, CT and 13 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database 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.

Narrowleaf Four O'clock

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Mirabilis linearis

Last reviewed: June 2026

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

12"–24" H × 12"–18" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, CT and 13 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, moths

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range Chihuahuan Deserts Central Oklahoma/Texas Plains Edwards Plateau Southern Texas Plains Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain

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, CT and 13 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database 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 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 Narrowleaf Four O'clock? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app

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