Overview
Mirabilis collina Shinners, commonly called Hillside Four O’Clock, is a species of flowering plant in the Nyctaginaceae family. It is native to the Great Plains region of North America.
Appearance
Hillside Four O’ Clock is an annual herb that can grow up to 18 inches in height. It has green leaves that are long and oval-shaped, with a pointed tip. The flowers are trumpet-shaped and can be pink or white, and they bloom during the summer months.
Uses
Indigenous peoples of North America have used Hillside Four O’ Clock for centuries as a traditional medicinal plant to remedy various ailments such as fever, diarrhea, and pain relief. It has also been used as a dye plant, with the roots producing a vibrant red color that was used in textiles.
Today, Hillside Four O’ Clock is mainly utilized as an ornamental plant, planted in gardens, and used in landscaping to add color to dry, barren areas. It is low maintenance, drought-tolerant, and can easily self-seed.
Common Names
Hillside Four O’ Clock is also known as Hill's Four-O'Clock and Hill Country Mirabilis.
Light Requirements
The Mirabilis collina Shinners plant prefers full sun exposure to thrive. This means that it requires at least six hours of direct sunlight exposure every day. When planting the plant, make sure that you place it in an area where there is minimal shade. Failure to provide sufficient sunlight may lead to stunted growth or poor flowering.
Temperature Requirements
The Mirabilis collina Shinners is tolerant to a wide range of temperatures. However, it grows best in areas with warm temperatures. The ideal temperature for growth is between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant cannot survive in extremely cold temperatures. During winter, you can protect the plant by covering it with a blanket or moving it indoors.
Soil Requirements
The Mirabilis collina Shinners plant grows well in well-draining soil. It prefers sandy or loamy soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.5. Adding organic matter to the soil before planting the plant can improve soil quality and provide the necessary nutrients for growth. The soil should also be kept moist but not too wet, as excess water may lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.
Cultivation methods
Mirabilis collina Shinners is a hardy plant that grows well in most soil types, but it prefers well-draining soil. It is recommended to plant the Mirabilis collina Shinners in a sunny area as it thrives best in full sunlight. The plant can tolerate drought-like conditions and hot weather. Propagation of the Mirabilis collina Shinners is usually done through seeds sown directly in the soil, and it germinates within six weeks of planting.
Watering needs
Proper watering of the Mirabilis collina Shinners is essential for its growth and development. Overwatering may lead to root rot, while under-watering may stunt the growth of the plant. It is recommended to water the plant once a week during the growing season but reduces the frequency in the winter months. The soil should be allowed to dry out between watering sessions, and it should not be watered until the topsoil is dry.
Fertilization
Mirabilis collina Shinners does not require frequent fertilization and can do well without it. However, a balanced fertilizer could be applied once a month during the growing season to encourage blooming. A soil test could also be carried out to determine the nutrient needs of the soil, and based on the result, a suitable fertilizer can be applied. Over-fertilization should be avoided as it may lead to the development of weak stems or foliage.
Pruning
Pruning is not essential for the growth of Mirabilis collina Shinners. However, removing spent blooms is necessary to encourage the growth of new flowers. The removal of dead and damaged stems should also be done to maintain the health of the plant. Pruning should be done carefully, and sharp sterilized tools should be used to avoid the spread of diseases from one plant to another.
Propagation of Mirabilis collina Shinners
Mirabilis collina Shinners, commonly known as mountain four o'clock, is a deciduous, perennial herb belonging to the Nyctaginaceae family. It is native to various states in the United States, including Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. Propagation of this plant can be done by different methods, including seeds, cuttings, and division.
Propagation by Seeds
Propagation of Mirabilis collina Shinners through seeds is an easy and reliable method. The seeds can be sown directly in the garden bed or started indoors in pots. It is best to sow the seeds in the spring, once the last frost has passed. Sow the seeds at a depth of 1/4 to 1/2 inch and keep them well-watered. Germination usually takes about 7-14 days. Thin the seedlings to about 12 inches apart once they are a few inches tall.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation of Mirabilis collina Shinners can also be done through cuttings. It is best to take cuttings in the spring or summer from healthy and mature plants. Choose a stem that is about 4-6 inches long, and make a clean cut just below a node. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder. Plant the cutting in a pot filled with well-draining soil and keep it moist. Place the pot in a bright, indirect light, and keep it warm. The cutting should root in about 4-6 weeks.
Propagation by Division
Propagation of Mirabilis collina Shinners through division is another straightforward method. It is best to divide the plant in the spring or fall, when it is not actively growing. Carefully dig up the plant and separate the root ball into smaller sections, making sure each section has a healthy shoot and root system. Replant the sections in well-draining soil at the same depth as before, and water thoroughly. They should establish and grow well in their new location.
Disease and Pest Management for Mirabilis collina Shinners
Mirabilis collina Shinners, commonly known as Red four o'clock, is a hardy plant that can withstand many pests and diseases. However, several issues might affect its growth and ruin its beauty. Here are some common diseases and pests that you should watch out for when cultivating Mirabilis collina Shinners, along with suggested management measures.
Diseases
Leaf spot
Leaf spot is a common fungal disease that affects many plants, including Mirabilis collina Shinners. It manifests as small, irregular spots on the leaves, which gradually enlarge and form clusters. Severe infections might lead to defoliation, weakening the plant.
To manage leaf spot in Mirabilis collina Shinners, ensure that the plant has adequate spacing and receives enough sunlight and air circulation. Avoid overhead watering and be sure to dispose of infected leaves and debris. Use fungicides as recommended for severe cases.
Powdery mildew
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that thrives in humid conditions and affects the leaves, stems, and flowers of Mirabilis collina Shinners. It often appears as a white or gray powdery coating on the plant's surface, causing the leaves to curl and wither.
To manage powdery mildew in Mirabilis collina Shinners, minimize humidity and ensure adequate spacing and good air circulation. Spray the affected plant with insecticidal soap or baking soda solution or use fungicides as recommended in severe cases.
Pests
Spider mites
Spider mites are common pests of many plants, including Mirabilis collina Shinners. They are tiny arachnids that cause stippling, yellowing, and webbing of the leaves, which reduces the plant's vigor and aesthetic value.
To manage spider mites in Mirabilis collina Shinners, keep the plant adequately moisturized and free of dust. Spray the plant with neem oil, insecticidal soap, or miticides as necessary. You can also avoid planting near dusty areas, or if it is a houseplant, place it where there is good air circulation.
Caterpillars
Caterpillars are insects that feed on the leaves and stems of Mirabilis collina Shinners, causing defoliation and weakening the plant's growth. They appear as larvae that might blend with the plant's color, making them hard to detect.
To manage caterpillars in Mirabilis collina Shinners, inspect the plant regularly and manually remove any visible larvae. You may also use biological control measures such as Bacillus thuringiensis or chemical pesticides. However, consult with an expert to avoid damaging the plant or creating toxic environments around it.
