Marvel Of Peru
Mirabilis jalapafam. Fourieraceae
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Pl. 3701 — Mirabilis jalapa
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IOverview
Overview
Marvel Of Peru (Mirabilis jalapa) is a colorful and versatile plant native to Central America, including countries such as Belize, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and various regions of Mexico. This perennial subshrub thrives in full sun or partial shade with moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It grows up to 0.6 meters tall and is known for its ornamental value, featuring vibrant flowers that range from white to pink, red, orange, and yellow. Marvel Of Peru is also edible; its leaves are often used in culinary applications. Its light requirement and soil adaptability make it a versatile addition to gardens and landscapes.
Quick answers
What is Marvel Of Peru?
Marvel Of Peru (Mirabilis jalapa) is a colorful and versatile plant native to Central America, including countries such as Belize, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and various regions of Mexico.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Marvel Of Peru thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 7-10, making it suitable for temperate regions. Propagate via seeds or cuttings. This perennial grows up to 0.6 meters tall and can be used as an edible plant, with its leaves being the edible part.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
7-10
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb, Subshrub
Mature size
0.6 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Marvel Of Peru for the first time
8steps
Start with easy care and colorful Marvel Of Peru for a beginner gardener.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or seedlings, small pots if starting indoors, garden soil, water.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant outdoors after the last frost in spring, or start seeds indoors about 6 weeks before planting out.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil; mix in compost if starting in containers. Ensure pots have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 0.5 inches deep, about 12-18 inches apart. Transplant seedlings when they have two sets of true leaves.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not soggy. Provide partial shade if direct sun is too intense.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water deeply once a week, more often in dry spells. Fertilize lightly every 4-6 weeks with compost tea or diluted liquid fertilizer.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune back spent flowers to encourage new blooms and maintain plant shape. Remove any yellowing leaves for better air circulation.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, not providing enough sunlight, neglecting to prune, using too much fertilizer.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: Colouring, Condiment
Other uses:CosmeticDyeFragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
11 native · 19 introduced
Distribution
11 native · 19 introducedDistribution across4 continents· 11 native· 19 introduced
Europe2 regions
introduced (2)PortugalSpain
Asia2 regions
introduced (2)BangladeshIndia
Americas6 regions
native (5)BelizeEl SalvadorGuatemalaHondurasNicaragua
introduced (1)Bahamas
Africa3 regions
introduced (3)BeninBotswanaBurundi
Broader regions
native:Mexico Southwest, Mexico Southeast, Mexico Northeast, Mexico Gulf, Mexico Central, Mexico Northwest
introduced:Brazil Southeast, Arizona, Arkansas, Brazil Northeast, Argentina Northwest, Argentina Northeast, Bermuda, Brazil North, Brazil South, Brazil West-Central, Ascension
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 37019cd6-0f87-4df8-9890-44bfecd6f3c0
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