Night beauty or mirabilis - planting and care in open ground

Origin of Mirabilis

Bright tropical flowers with an unusual name are herbaceous plants. The Niktaginov family includes more than five dozen species.

Southern Guest Flower

Unfortunately, only one variety of night-blooming bushes has taken root in Russia. They call it Jalapa, but due to the lack of related species, the flower received the name of the entire family. The variegated flowers growing in the Russian Federation are simply called mirabilis.

And even on Russian soil, mirabilis has chosen a certain climate. He liked the warm southern latitudes. Since its homeland is South America, and the species itself is perennial, the bushes need moderate winters, which they found in the Russian outback.

Interesting! Mirabilis is often called the Night Beauty. It's all about the time of its flowering. The plant keeps the bud closed all day, and only in the evening the flower blooms.

Flowering lasts throughout the dark part of the day, and the next morning the bud fades.

Lush color

While one flower fades, the plant immediately produces new buds. The flowering season lasts until the first frost. Mirabilis often decides to bloom a flower in cloudy weather. Then you can admire the blooms during the day.

Thanks to its unpretentiousness, mirabilis has become a traditional debut for gardeners. Caring for a plant does not require special skills and is quite intuitive. In addition, no special equipment is needed to grow Nightflowers.

Mirabilis

Mirabilis itself is a perennial plant. However, those wishing to grow a night flower in cold regions will benefit from its annual cycle. To continue the work, it is enough to correctly collect the seeds and save them for the next season.

Mirabilis prices

mirabilis

Types and varieties of mirabilis with photos and names

As mentioned above, gardeners cultivate mainly 1 type of mirabilis - jalapa, or night beauty, or mirabilis laxative. This species was described in detail at the beginning of the article. The most popular varieties of night beauty:

1. Iolanta . The shape of the half-meter bush is round. Powerful and thick knotty shoots in the upper part are highly branched. The funnel-shaped flowers are of medium size and rich in color; there are stripes on the surface of the entire corolla. Flowering lasts from the last days of June until frost.
2. Red lollipop . A large bush reaches a height of 0.9 m. Smooth thick shoots, branching in the upper part, are painted pale green. The oval-oblong simple leaf blades are wavy along the edge. The diameter of the funnel-shaped deep red flowers is about 6 centimeters.
3. Elvira . The fluffy bush is of medium size. Branched smooth shoots are very strong. The oblong leaf blades with a pointed tip are dark green. The diameter of the richly colored flowers is 3.5 cm.
4. T Time Red . The size of the plants is average. Knobby, smooth shoots in the upper part are highly branched. The dark green leaf blades have an oblong-oval shape. The flowers are medium-sized and bright pink.
5. T Time Fomyula Miksche . The shape of the bush is spherical, it reaches a height of 0.7–0.9 m. Simple leaf plates with pointed tips have an oblong shape. The branched, smooth shoots are bare at the bottom. This variety series has funnel-shaped smooth flowers with a wavy edge, their color is variegated, and they reach 2.5 cm in diameter.

Mirabilis multiflorum is also cultivated. This perennial herbaceous plant reaches a height of 0.8 m. The erect shoots are bare. The smooth leaf blades have an ovoid-elongated shape. Flowering begins in May, with the formation of axillary inflorescences, which include from 2 to 6 tubular purple flowers, which are located in one bell-shaped cover. The diameter of the flowers is 4–6 centimeters.

Mirabilis rotundifolia is also grown. The height of the compact bush is about 0.3 m. The sticky oval leaf plates reach from 5 to 7 centimeters in length. In the general veil of the apical inflorescence, about 3 flowers of pink purple color are formed, the diameter of which does not exceed 10 mm. The flowers bloom in the evening and close at dawn.

What does Mirabilis look like?

Mirabilis has a rather attractive appearance. Neat bushes crowned with variegated inflorescences make you want to take up floriculture and certainly grow Night Dawn on your site.

Morning dew on Mirabilis

Since Mirabilis is a herbaceous species, the height of its bush rarely exceeds a meter. Most of the representatives growing in the south of Russia grow up to 80 cm. The structure of the bush itself is strong and well-knit. The trunks may be bare or pubescent. Their surface is often sticky. The leaves are thin, planted oppositely.

The root system of the plant is tuberous, the structure of the rods is convex. The plant comes from hot regions, so the structure of its root allows for the accumulation of moisture.

Mirabilis root system

Mirabilis blooms generously, opening up to 16 flowers at a time. They are located on the upper parts of the stem or in the axils of the crowns. The shape of the flower is elongated, partly reminiscent of a gramophone pipe. The front of the funnel widens. Often the edges of the petal are torn and cut.

A distinctive feature of mirabilis is a huge range of patterns and shades. Different inflorescences can form on one representative.

Variety of colors

Also on one flower there are multiple shades collected in striped patterns. There are also plain flowers. Mirabilis has a huge number of flowers in its arsenal. Ranging from pale yellow tones to dark burgundy shades. There are also pink samples, as well as completely white ones.

Yellow one-color bud

The end of flowering is marked by the appearance of fruits. After the flower withers, a small dark-colored box appears in its place. The brown fruit with a ribbed texture contains only one seed. By the time it matures, it acquires an elastic structure and a wrinkled surface. The seed is oval and quite large in size. There are about one and a half dozen pieces per gram of dried seeds. In favorable conditions, it can be preserved for three years.

Mirabilis expansa

A fairly large plant, growing up to 1.8 m in diameter and 0.9-1.2 m in height in one growing season. The stems are long and unruly, so the plant has a spreading shape. The root is edible, looking like a thick bunch of fat carrots weighing 2.3 kg or more if given enough time to grow. The flavor of the root is a bit like a combination of potato and cabbage. The texture is firmer than potatoes and the flavor is a little more savory with a mild cabbage aftertaste.

Methods for growing mirabilis from seeds

There are several ways to grow mirabilis. When using seeds, gardeners resort to one of two reliable methods.

The first stage of planting seeds

How to get a bush from seeds:

1. Growing using seedlings. Reliable method. Suitable for novice owners.

Fertilizing with mineral fertilizers

• Planting directly into open substrate. You will have to wait until the soil reaches the required temperature. The method is suitable for those who have experience growing flowering plants in open space.

Prices for mineral fertilizers

Shoots in pots

They begin to sow seeds for seedlings in early spring. From March to May, the plant gains the necessary strength and will be able to withstand cold nights, if such occur after planting in the soil.

To grow mirabilis from seeds, you will need disposable seedling pots, seeds and prepared soil. The variegated flower loves moderate soil and does not tolerate overly acidic soil. Therefore, prepare the mixture in advance.

This is what the seeds look like

The substrate is based on sand. A little less turf soil and peat powder will be needed. Mirabilis is not too whimsical, so you can dilute the soil with limestone or a clay mixture. The substrate needs to be mixed and steamed before planting the seeds.

When choosing containers, preference is given to deep, narrow cups. The root system of sprouts develops quickly, but is directed downwards and not to the sides.

Planting Mirabilis seeds

Since the seeds of the Nociformes are large, they will need a lot of space. To avoid damaging the seedlings by diving, sow the seeds in separate cups. The maximum quantity in one pot is 2 pieces. If both sprouts sprout, wait until they harden and transplant them into separate containers. The optimal planting depth is 2 cm.

Young sprouts

There is no need to soak the seeds before planting. It is enough to lower them into a damp substrate. If soaking is necessary, it is carried out throughout the day in warm water. In this case, seedlings will appear much faster - in a few days.

To speed up the emergence of a sprout, fertilize the hole under the seed with a small amount of fine ash. This substrate promotes the active development of the root system.

The first shoots hatch in about a week. The process may take 14 days depending on the external temperature and other factors. After pecking, the fry actively grow. After about two weeks, the young animals can be transferred to larger pots. Peat bogs 8 cm in diameter are suitable.

Peat pots for growing

By the end of May, when the risk of returning cold has passed, the flowers planted in March can be moved to open space.

Advice! It is advisable to wait for really warm nights so that the cold does not destroy the young bushes. If the risk of frost is still high, cover the bushes with plastic wrap at night.

When planting in the ground, the bushes are provided with free space. To prevent grown plants from shading each other and competing for moisture, leave at least half a meter of space between them.

In an open area

Mirabilis can also be grown in open ground. This method is somewhat riskier, since at the initial stage of growth the plant is too demanding. However, experienced gardeners choose this method.

Bush in open space

Before planting seeds in the ground, the soil is prepared. A small amount of lime is added to the substrate. For bushes, it is better to choose a corner of the site protected from the wind. It is optimal if it is not covered with shadow. The ideal soil for mirabilis is considered to be clay or loamy.

Jalapa tolerates dry periods well. However, drought can negatively affect the number of inflorescences. Lack of water will also affect the development of the bush, so skipping watering is not recommended.

Mirabilis jalapa

Over the entire season, the bushes require several feedings. Fertilizers can be applied three to four times. For this purpose, a special complex fertilizer is used.

Planting mirabilis in open ground

What time to plant

Mirabilis seedlings should be planted in open soil only after the ground has warmed up thoroughly and there is no threat of return frosts. As a rule, this time occurs at the end of spring. This flower is extremely heat-loving, so you need to choose a well-lit and sun-warmed area for planting it. Try to give this plant as much free space as possible, otherwise it will crowd out the flowers adjacent to it, as it is quite aggressive. To grow this flower, it is recommended to choose nutritious loamy or clay soil that contains lime. If the soil is acidic, then it must be limed. The plant does not tolerate stagnation of liquid in the soil; therefore, you cannot choose wet soil or lowland for planting it.

Landing Features

The seedlings are planted in a row, and a distance of 0.4–0.5 m should be maintained between the specimens. The size and depth of the planting hole should be such that the entire contents of the pot (the root system and a lump of soil) can fit in it. Water the seedlings 1–2 hours before planting; in this case, the plants can be very quickly removed from the container and planted in a hole that needs to be covered with soil. Planted plants need good watering.

Alternative methods of propagation of mirabilis

Some enthusiasts practice propagation of mirabilis by budding. The method is controversial, but has a right to exist. To implement it, you need to take a plant grown from a seed and examine its root system. For jigging you will need cuttings that are half lignified. They are carefully separated and left until the cut dries.

Planting young animals in the ground

Sometimes the cuttings are placed in a special growth stimulator. You can grow a bush by simply placing the desired part of the root in steamed soil. To develop, the cutting will need room temperature and regular moisture. Under favorable conditions, the cuttings will take root and by the end of spring will be ready to be transplanted into the garden.

Some gardeners prefer propagation using a tuber. The excavated part of the root is placed in a mixture of sawdust and sand. The tubers are left at low temperatures - from +3 to +5. Store the rhizome until spring. This method is considered the least reliable, since the plant rarely survives to planting due to lack of moisture.

Tuber preparation

Mirabilis multiflora

Spring shrubby species, grows up to 1 m tall. Blooms all summer. Can be grown in both light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clayey) soils with good drainage. Can grow in partial shade or sun. Prefers constant moisture. The plants flower in their first year from seed and, although they are not very hardy, can withstand temperatures down to about -5 C. The tubers can be dug up in the fall and stored over the winter in a cool, frost-free place in much the same way as dahlias.

Caring for mirabilis bushes

Like any plant, mirabilis requires moisture and sunlight. The remaining aspects of care do not differ from the maintenance of other flowering bushes. The advantage of the species is its ability to survive unfavorable periods, which is very important for novice botanists.

Transferring seedlings from pots

The main point of care is careful dosing of moisture. In order to achieve optimally lush color, you need to find the golden mean of moisture and not flood the bushes. Stagnant moisture will immediately affect the condition of the flowers.

However, of two evils, it is better to choose drought. Mirabilis tolerates it much more easily.

To speed up the development of the plant, it is fed with minerals. Solutions are chosen specially designed for flowering bushes.

Table 1. Stages of caring for an adult plant.

After the end of the warm season, the bushes you like are sent for the winter. To do this, the top part of the plant is cut off and the rhizome is tightly wrapped in paper. At a temperature of +7, the root is likely to survive until spring. As soon as it awakens, the tuber is planted in a pot before the onset of warm nights.

Growing and care

Caring for the night beauty flower is simple; the plant takes root well in a new place and does not require extraordinary efforts from gardeners.

You can read more about planting and caring for mirabilis in open ground below.

Watering weeding mulching

Novice gardeners do not know when to plant heat-loving mirabilis. First of all, you need to make sure that the threat of spring frosts has passed.

Sowing seeds is carried out only in well-warmed and moist soil.

The culture is undemanding to soil, so almost any soil is suitable for it. But it is worth considering that the flower does not tolerate stagnation of liquids at the roots and often oppresses closely planted neighbors.

Watering is carried out in the evening or early in the morning. Mirabilis is a moisture-loving crop, but tolerates short-term drought. During hot periods, plants are watered once every three days, and when the weather normalizes, once every 7 days.

After watering, loosen the soil and mulch the root hole. Before mulching, be sure to pull out the weeds so that they do not choke out the young seedlings of the beauty.

Fertilizers and fertilizers

To preserve the natural beauty of flowers while growing a night beauty, it is necessary to apply complex fertilizers.

Frequency and time of feeding:

• beginning of the growing season;
• mid summer;
• end of August.

Complex mineral supplements and rotted organic matter (compost, humus) are suitable.

Nitrogen-containing fertilizers should be applied immediately after planting. But during the period of the second and third feeding, it is necessary to minimize the nitrogen content in fertilizers. It is best to choose formulations containing magnesium, potassium and phosphorus.

Wintering

The Mirabilis plant does not tolerate harsh Russian winters, so gardeners recommend digging up the tubers. The roots are dug up, the green part is cut off and dried in the shade.

Mirabilis root

Then the tubers are wrapped in cloth, a paper bag or covered with dry sand. Next, put it in a cool and dry place. The dormant root is perfectly stored until spring.

Houseplants are transferred to a dark, cool room directly in a pot. With the arrival of warmth, the tubers are transplanted into new soil and the pots are taken out into the air.

Diseases and pests

Mirabilis night beauty is highly resistant to various diseases and pests. But if you care for the plant incorrectly, it will weaken and get sick. The most common ailments are root rot and spotting. Treatment with fungicides will help cope with the problem. Before shedding the soil and spraying the crown, cut off all affected leaves, shoots and flowers from the bush.

Collection and preservation of mirabilis seeds

Despite the availability of ready-made mirabilis seeds, amateurs prefer to collect them from the fruit themselves. It is important to take into account that the idea can be implemented only on closed ground. Otherwise, the seeds simply do not have time to ripen.

Sending seeds for storage

Seeds are formed in fruits that appear in place of dead inflorescences. The fruit capsules are carefully removed from the plant and sent to dry. Choose ripe and strong fruits of the correct shape.

After drying, the seeds are placed in natural burlap. A paper envelope will also work. Store seeds in a dark and warm room. Room temperature is optimal for this. Dried material retains its viability for quite a long time. You can plant seeds even after three to four years.

Landing

The shrub is most easily propagated by seeds. In harsh climates, only experienced gardeners grow new plants from overwintered tubers, and cuttings require special conditions - heating from below for rooting.

Preparation

The seed shell is scarified, that is, a little damage is done with sandpaper or a nail file - this will facilitate the appearance of the sprout. The seeds are pre-soaked, although they already have a high germination rate. They are placed in a warm place for a day, wrapped in multi-layers of wet gauze. Good material hatches within a day.

Step by step planting process

Mirabilis is sown in early April in a greenhouse, and in open ground in May. The main condition is the ground warmed up to +15°C. At home, seedlings are obtained by planting 2 seeds in a cup, which is covered with film. The temperature is maintained at +18, +20°C so that the sprouts do not stretch.

1. The seeds are buried 1.5-3 cm deep.
2. The soil is watered with warm water and covered.
3. When sprouts appear (5-6 days), remove the protective film.
4. With the appearance of the first true leaf, thinning is carried out, removing weak shoots.
5. The seedlings are transferred to open ground as soon as the soil warms up and the threat of frost disappears.
6. The planted rows are watered.
7. The distance between plants is at least 40 cm.

The depth of the hole for seedlings is made such that the earthen lump removed from the cup fits completely. Before planting, the seedlings are thoroughly watered so that the transshipment takes place without damage to the root system.

Health of Nociformes

To get a thick and lush color, you will need not only high-quality care, but also prevention of bush diseases. Mirabilis is a persistent species, but often falls victim to common ailments.

Most often, bushes are attacked by rust and leaf spotting. Any fungicide-based product will help eliminate the problem.

The beauty of a night flower

Another common problem is rotting of the root system. The reason for this is excessive watering and stagnation of moisture in the substrate. The problem can be solved with a transplant. Decaying plants are carefully dug up, and the soil underneath is treated with a fungicide and dried. After the procedure, the watering regime is adjusted.

Diseases and pests

Mirabilis is rarely attacked by pests. Among the harmful insects that may appear on bushes are aphids. The insect feeds on the sap of young shoots. To combat the pest, use a solution of laundry soap, which is used to treat the bush.

Spider mites are also often found on bushes. The insect most often hides on the back of the leaves. Therefore, they periodically inspect the bushes. The first sign of pests is the presence of cobwebs. To combat, use a light solution of copper sulfate.

The plant is resistant to diseases. In some cases, rust may form. To eliminate the problem, the bushes are treated with Bordeaux mixture or other preparations containing copper.

general information

If you have ever read a description of mirabilis, you should know that its historical homeland is Mexico, where it began its journey around the world. The flower has a tuberous, swollen root and can be cultivated as either an annual or perennial plant. The bushes have a round shape and grow up to 80 centimeters in height. The stems are densely branched and have a pale red color. As they grow older, their lower part becomes lignified. The leaves are located opposite each other and resemble an oblong egg in shape.

During the active growing season, bright flowers appear on the stems, reaching a diameter of 2.5 centimeters. Depending on the variety, they can be crimson, yellow, purple, red, white and violet. A unique feature of this garden crop is that the buds open after four o’clock in the evening and fill the air with a unique aroma until sunrise.

Features of cultural content

This aspect deserves special attention. As mentioned earlier, the night beauty, unlike many other types of flowers, is unpretentious, so even novice gardeners do not have any special difficulties when caring for it. In order for the flowering period to come on time, mirabilis must be provided with abundant watering. If the summer is too hot and dry, then there should be at least two times a week. Also, the soil should be fluffed up from time to time so that the root system can breathe normally. And don’t forget to weed and remove weeds.

In summer, the night beauty needs 2-3 feedings, which are carried out one every month. It is best to use compost, organic matter and complex mineral fertilizers. It is very important that the second and third fertilizing contain as little nitrogen as possible, since this element can negatively affect the growth and development of the plant.

Preparing for winter

In the southern regions, the shrub endures the dormant season during the cold period under a layer of mulch. It is possible to preserve the plant in winter in harsh climates. To do this, follow the following algorithm:

• carefully dig up the bush, trying not to damage the root system,
• cut the stem to a height of 10 cm,
• remove thin adventitious roots,
• wrapped in high fibrous peat mixed with sawdust or paper and sand,
• put in a cold place, maintain a regime no higher than +3, +7°С,
• They are taken out in March and prepared for planting.

Pots for planting tubers Nochki are filled with a mixture of 2 parts turf, 1.5 parts peat, 1 part sand and several handfuls of brick chips.

Description of mirabilis (night beauty)

The aroma is very spicy and refined, unobtrusive. And the main feature is that the flowers bloom in the evening and remain open all night. Hence the popular names.

The night beauty came from the tropical regions of America. This is a herbaceous plant. In its homeland and in warm countries it grows as a perennial, but in our country it is grown as an annual, since it does not tolerate severe frosts.

Belongs to the Niktaginaceae family. Mirabilis flowers are simple, either solitary or collected in inflorescences. They are shaped like a smaller version of a gramophone. Breeders do not stand still and are constantly expanding the color range of petals. There are varieties with white, pink, orange, scarlet, crimson, yellow, purple, speckled and other colors to suit every taste and color.

Mirabilis blooms in June and blooms until frost. In place of faded and pollinated flowers, dense dark brown seeds appear, which remain viable for up to three years. The stems are erect, become slightly lignified at the bottom over time, and branch well.

The height varies from 30 to 90 cm, depending on the variety and type. Often these plants are used to make small hedges or to separate different areas in the garden. Looks beautiful in border planting and flower beds. You can grow night beauty bushes through seedlings and sowing in open ground.

Photo by O. Nikonorova: Mirabilis blooms at night, which is why it received the name night beauty.