Mirabilis Jalapa Question

14 years ago

I have some four o' clocks that I put out this year and they were, and some still are doing great. In my zone they come back year after year like a perennial. However, the past few weeks we have gotten lots of rain, and flood warnings a couple of weeks ago. It's raining now and they look terrible. Not just the falling over, just terrible, yellow leaves too.

I just know they have had way to much water. I have never had to dig mine up for overwintering. This year I purchased a packet of seeds (mixed colors) and finally got one that I wanted. The mixed pink and white bi-color. What should I do? I've always read they hate wet feet. I know they must be soaked with all the rain. Should I dig them up? If so, what should I do with them?

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Comments (6)

oilpainter
14 years ago
Do you have enough room to dig small trenches between the flowers without disturbing their roots and perhaps drain some of the water off. You could then fill the trenches with mulch to absorb some more of the water.

I don't think they would survive over the winter indoors.

Another option would be to cut them down and cover them when it rains so much
lgslgs
14 years ago
In your zone you could always dig them up and replant them in a large container outdoors for overwintering.

They'll pout for a few days after transplanting but they spring back. The container can be placed in an area where it can drain better than your main garden drains.

Lynda
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conniesc
14 years ago
4 o'clock have tuber. Each fall I dig mine up and replant in the spring.
lovetogrowflowers
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks for your replies. I have dug two of the tubers up to keep them from drowning. Some of the others I left. Now that the rain has stopped they seem to be looking better. I do plan to mulch well just in case we have a rainy winter since these are all so new. Thanks again.
Anna5
11 years ago
I purchased these tubers for placing around the outer edges of a mulched area under a lacy tree. We planted in mid May. Today they are maybe 5 or 6 in tall but no blooms... growth much slower than I anticipated.
What have I done wrong? We have watered regularly with this heat. Hopefully someone can help!
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
11 years ago
my seed grown ones ... [never heard them being sold as tubers????] ...

have NOT bloomed yet ... and are just a bit larger than yours sound ...

i appreciate you searched for an old post .. but after that.. i suggest you start your own post .. so you can check the box.. so that replies will be sent to your email ...

let them go to seed late this summer [or save some in an envelope] .. and press a piece of the plant plant.. so you will recognize them next spring.. when they pop up .. once the soil warms enough ...

if they are alive.. you win ... just check your patience ... they will come ...

ken

Mirabilis Jalapa Question

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oilpainter

lgslgs

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conniesc

lovetogrowflowers
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Mirabilis Jalapa Question

Comments (6)

oilpainter

lgslgs

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conniesc

lovetogrowflowersOriginal Author

Anna5

ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5

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lovetogrowflowers
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