perennial

Four O'Clock Flower Limelight

Mirabilis jalapa 'Limelight'

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

24 inches

Width

24 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9

Water

Moderate once established

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Perennial in warm zones

Native To

Central America

Toxicity

All parts are toxic if ingested

The Story

Plant Bio

Mirabilis jalapa, commonly known as Four O'Clock, is a perennial subshrub with lush, rounded leaves and trumpet-shaped flowers that open in the late afternoon, displaying vibrant pink to red blooms. The Limelight cultivar is distinguished by its striking lime-green foliage and its ability to produce vividly colored flowers that contrast beautifully with its foliage, adding a unique touch to garden displays.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Bright, fragrant flowers enhance borders and containers, attracting pollinators and adding color.

Drought-tolerant, requires minimal watering once established.

Supports pollinators like bees and butterflies, thriving in diverse gardens.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

We couldn't find this plant listed online right now.

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Planting

How to Grow

Tuck seeds into moist soil in spring
Keep soil consistently moist during germination
Provide full sun for best flowering
Thin seedlings to prevent overcrowding
Water regularly during dry spells
Pinch back to encourage bushier growth

Pro Tip

Plant in well-drained soil with full sun for vibrant blooms

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water deeply once a week 🌱
Deadhead spent flowers for continuous bloom
Mulch to retain soil moisture

Don't

Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
Don’t fertilize in late fall
Keep away from heavy clay soils without drainage

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Deadhead
Lift Store
Plant

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Vivid border plantFragrant garden accentDrought-tolerant bed

Companion Plants

Lavender Salvia Coreopsis Yarrow

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Four O'Clock Flower Limelight questions

What zones can Four O'Clock Flower Limelight grow in?

Four O'Clock Flower Limelight is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Four O'Clock Flower Limelight deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Four O'Clock Flower Limelight, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Four O'Clock Flower Limelight bloom?

Four O'Clock Flower Limelight typically blooms in mid-summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Four O'Clock Flower Limelight need full sun?

Four O'Clock Flower Limelight does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Four O'Clock Flower Limelight drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Four O'Clock Flower Limelight handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.