Re: Mirabilis


--- "Sean A. O'Hara" <sean@gimcw.org> wrote:

> 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!
> 

My parents had this plant as a perrenial for years
near the steps up to our porch. It was the common
magenta flowered form, and I never noticed much scent,
except the crushed leaves and broken stems which was
unpleasant to me. When we were re-doing the bed this
plant was, I remember trying to dig it up, and finding
it deeply set with a tuber that came out in chunks...
it was quite big. 

We seemed to have gotten rid of it, and it hasn't come
back, but along the next street up where these plants
get no supplemental water, there are several large
"bushes" of this plant in both red AND a bright lemon
yellow color. Quite striking since i'd never seen any
form but magenta. I might re-introduce this plant into
the garden.
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