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 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 to 9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 6a, so it is well within range.

How much water does Desert Four O’Clock need?

It needs low water once established.

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.

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.

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Desert Four O’Clock

Mirabilis multiflora

Compiled by Nicholas Julia · Reviewed against CSU Extension & Plant Select® · Updated 2026-10-30

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 low water, and prefers full sun. CO native perennial; supports pollinators.

Colorado nativeOn the CSU listlow water18 in tall and 48 in wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-resistant

Photos

Photo 1: no rights reserved
Photo 2: (c) Steve Matson, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Photo 3: (c) Steve Matson, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Photo 4: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
Photo 5: Stan Shebs, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
Photo 6: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)

At a glance

Will it survive here?

Hardiness zones: USDA 4 to 9
Water needs: low water
Sun: Best in full sun.
Soil: clay, loam, sandy
Soil pH: 6.5 to 8.0
Hail tolerance: high
Wind tolerance: high
Salt tolerance: moderate
Site uses: Slopes & erosion control

How big, what shape?

Mature size: 18 in tall and 48 in wide
Planting spacing: ~34 to 48 in apart

What it looks like, and when

Bloom time: mid summer, late summer, early fall
Bloom color: purple, pink
Bloom length: Long (several weeks)
Foliage: Deciduous

Who else benefits

Pollinator value: high
Deer: Generally deer-resistant
Colorado native: Yes
Native ecoregion: shortgrass prairie, foothills

Also worth knowing

Fire rating: Not rated

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 to 9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 6a, so it is well within range.
How much water does Desert Four O’Clock need?: It needs low 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.
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.