Re: Mirabilis jalapa

The Mirabilis jalapa here in Corfu are open all day and scented in the late afternoon and early evening only.  They are self seeded with no one ever consciously planting or sowing them...I certainly don't remember how mine came to be.  The scent is quite elusive.  It seldom seeks you out, but when it does (depending on the temperature and humidity I assume) it cannot be ignored.
Cali Doxiadis, a habitual lurker.
Corfu, Greece
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Monday, September 19, 2005 9:09 AM
Subject: Mirabilis jalapa

My grandmother, who lived in Arkansas, always grew what we called four o-clocks and I remember them being fragrant and the flowers opening in the late afternoon.  I recall she grew a variety of colors.  I am wondering if the scent has been bred out of many of the newer varieties.  Plants nowadays seem to be bred for disease resistance, bigger and brighter colored flowers, etc., but sadly, fragrance is often a neglected element. 
 
Linda Starr
Springville Lavender Gardens
 
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