Mirabilis

I have also found that certain color forms tend to be more fragrant than others, though, as stated, growing conditions can play a role. This would seem to me to be a fragrance that some people might have trouble smelling (everyone's nose works differently). My own observations since I was a child would seem to point at the redder forms (crimson, magenta, deep purple, fuchsia) being LESS fragrant and the paler forms (yellow, white, and possibly lavender) being MORE fragrant.

The fragrance is certainly most obvious in the evening. It can carry on a light breeze, if there are a number of flowers/plants, but normally you have to get close to the flower to smell it.

I've grown various colors over the years, often being fascinated with the multi-colored striped and spotted types. There is sometimes a near 'orange' that seems to come from overlaying of yellow and lavender that I especially was fond of. There has occasionally been marketed a chartreuse foliage form with deep magenta flowers - quite an eye-popper!! I've seen a warm yellow heirloom form offered through an Amish seed source.

Here in California, these plants tend to grow from dormant roots fairly early in spring and then become rather sparse and sad looking as the summer dries them out (unless they get supplemental water). They often inhabit vacant lots and meridians. Producing copious amounts of seed, which germinates easily, they can often become a tiresome pest. The perennial, thick tuberous roots can be VERY difficult to remove from tight places near concrete paving (a favorite place to self-seed!) and large rocks!! Old tubers can become far larger than you might imagine!

Here in the Bay Area where we often get summer fog, the plants can last longer into the summer and the flowers stay open all day (they apparently open when temps are cooler rather than by the hour of day) - making them a good plant for coastal cottage gardens.

There is a southwest native, Mirabilis longiflora, that Annie's Annuals is offering these days. This is a real desert plant, preferring dry conditions, good sun, and a gritty/stony soil. It often tends to be a sprawling plant. Quite a different thing altogether.

Seán O.

h o r t u l u s _ a p t u s - - - - - 'a garden suited to its purpose'
Seán A. O'Hara --- sean(at)gimcw.org --- www.hortulusaptus.com
1034A Virginia Street, Berkeley, California 94710-1853, U.S.A.
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