Desert Four O’Clock
Mirabilis multiflora
Desert Four O’Clock (Mirabilis multiflora) is a Colorado-native perennial suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 18 in tall and 48 in wide, needs medium water, and prefers full sun. CO native perennial; supports pollinators.
Colorado nativeOn the CSU listmedium water18 in tall and 48 in wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-resistant
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At a glance
- Botanical name
- Mirabilis multiflora
- Type
- Perennial
- Mature size
- 18 in tall and 48 in wide
- Planting spacing
- ~34–48 in apart
- Bloom length
- Long (several weeks)
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4–9
- Water needs
- medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Colorado native
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.5–8.0
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Firewise (defensible space)
- Zones 1–3 (can be planted near the house)
- Bloom color
- purple, pink
- Bloom time
- mid summer, late summer, early fall
- Pollinator value
- high
- Site uses
- Slopes & erosion control
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
- Native ecoregion
- shortgrass prairie, foothills
Planting & establishment
Native perennial; deep-water first season to establish, then minimal water needed.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Desert Four O’Clock good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Desert Four O’Clock is a well-suited perennial for Colorado's Front Range.
- How big does Desert Four O’Clock get?
- It matures to about 18 in tall and 48 in wide.
- How far apart do I plant Desert Four O’Clock?
- Space Desert Four O’Clock about 34 in apart for a faster, fuller bed, or up to 48 in apart for a looser planting.
- Is Desert Four O’Clock hardy on the Front Range?
- Desert Four O’Clock is hardy in USDA 4–9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Desert Four O’Clock need?
- It needs medium water once established.
- Is Desert Four O’Clock native to Colorado?
- Yes. It is a Colorado native.
- Is Desert Four O’Clock deer-resistant?
- Desert Four O’Clock is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- Is Desert Four O’Clock a good firewise plant near the house?
- Desert Four O’Clock is a lower-fuel choice suitable in defensible-space zones 1–3, it can be planted near the house when kept well irrigated and maintained. This is general suitability guidance based on CSU Extension firewise plant lists, not a guarantee that any plant won't burn, a well-irrigated, well-maintained plant is the goal. Follow CSU Extension defensible-space guidance and check with your local fire district before planting in the wildland-urban interface.
- How long does Desert Four O’Clock bloom?
- Desert Four O’Clock blooms for several weeks, a long-season performer on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.
