Mirabilis

The genus Mirabilis, or Night Beauty (Mirabilis), has about 60 species of herbaceous tuberous tender, perennial and annual plants. On the same plant, bright flowers appear all summer, funnel-shaped, from five petals fused at the base into a tube; they are collected in apical groups of 3-6, with a pleasant aroma. No wonder they are called night beauties: the flowers of the most popular and cultivated species - mirabilis jalapa and others open in the evenings. Perennial species are usually grown as annuals. Mirabilis jalapa is a perennial species with a thick tuberous root. It is an erect dense shrub up to 90 cm tall, with pointed oval, almost triangular leaves. White, yellow, orange, crimson, purple, pink and bicolored flowers are collected in clusters. Numerous hybrids have been obtained from the species. Mirabilis longiflora (M. longiflora) is an even more decorative species than mirabilis jalapa, growing up to 1 m in height. It has a very branching stem, regular sticky leaves, white flowers with yellow stamens and a pinkish pistil. One of the varieties has purple flowers that open late in the evening. Mirabilis multi-flowered (M. multiflora) reaches a height of 1 m. The leaves are dark brown-green, the flowers are pink-purple funnel-shaped, collected in cymose inflorescences. Unlike other species, the flowers open only in the sunniest hours.

The genus Mirabilis, or Night Beauty (Mirabilis), has about 60 species of herbaceous tuberous tender, perennial and annual plants. On the same plant, bright flowers appear all summer, funnel-shaped, from five petals fused at the base into a tube; they are collected in apical groups of 3-6, with a pleasant aroma. No wonder they are called night beauties: the flowers of the most popular and cultivated species - mirabilis jalapa and others open in the evenings. Perennial species are usually grown as annuals.

Mirabilis jalapa is a perennial species with a thick tuberous root. It is an erect dense shrub up to 90 cm tall, with pointed oval, almost triangular leaves. White, yellow, orange, crimson, purple, pink and bicolored flowers are collected in clusters. Numerous hybrids have been obtained from the species.

Mirabilis longiflora (M. longiflora) is an even more decorative species than mirabilis jalapa, growing up to 1 m in height. It has a very branching stem, regular sticky leaves, white flowers with yellow stamens and a pinkish pistil. One of the varieties has purple flowers that open late in the evening.

Mirabilis multi-flowered (M. multiflora) reaches a height of 1 m. The leaves are dark brown-green, the flowers are pink-purple funnel-shaped, collected in cymose inflorescences. Unlike other species, the flowers open only in the sunniest hours.

Cultivation

Mirabilis is grown mainly as an annual plant in gardens in borders, mixborders, groups on lawns or in pots on balconies and terraces, less often for cutting. The plant blooms until frost. They prefer fertile, well-drained loamy soil, neutral or slightly alkaline. Plants are planted at a distance of 30 cm from each other. During the period of active vegetative growth and development, use 2-3 top dressing with a full mineral fertilizer with irrigation. In autumn, the plants dry out, then the tubers can be removed from the ground and stored indoors, so that they can be planted again in April. In indoor floriculture, one species is widespread in the culture - mirabilis jalapa.

Location

It is advisable to plant in the open sun, but in a place protected from cold winds. In general, the plant is light-loving.

Temperature

Mirabilis easily tolerates high air temperature.

Watering

Plants in the open ground are watered with a clear lack of moisture in the soil. Potted plants are watered regularly.

Care

Remove withered flowers and damaged parts of the plant.

Reproduction

In temperate climates, seeds are sown in March-April in warm greenhouses or containers, indoors, at a temperature of 18-20 °C. Seedlings are planted in the ground after frost. Seeds retain germination for two to three years.

Diseases

Discolored spots and rust may form on the leaves of plants, but they do not need to be treated. Just remove the affected parts. Plants with a rotten root system should be removed. Nematodes present in the soil can also cause trouble. Treating the soil with nematocides or planting marigolds nearby will help.

Discolored spots and rust may form on the leaves of plants, but they do not need to be treated. Just remove the affected parts.

Plants with a rotten root system should be removed. Nematodes present in the soil can also cause trouble. Treating the soil with nematocides or planting marigolds nearby will help.

Acquisition

Seeds and seedlings are easily found in flower nurseries and gardening centers. Check that the seeds are fresh, because this is a guarantee of good germination.