1. Wishbone Plant/Bush – Mirabilis laevis var. crassifolia (Mirabilis californica)
(mi-RAB-il-is LEE-vis Krass-ih-FOE-lee-uh)
Family: Nyctaginaceae (Four O’Clock Family)
Native to: CA Central & Southern coasts, Mojave & Sonoran Deserts, Channel Islands; on grassy,
rocky or sandy slopes, dunes, dry washes, in coastal sage scrub, chaparral and foothill woodlands.
herbaceous perennial mature height: 1-3 ft.
mature width: to 3 ft.
Low, bushy perennial with heart-shaped leaves and many weak stems arising from a base.
May
grow over other plants. Dies back in dry season (less so near coast). Stems glandular and hairy.
Growth characteristics:
Blooms mostly Dec-June; pretty, rose- to dark-pink flowers with five long-extended
stamens that are whitish with yellow anthers.
Night-pollinated so flowers open in the midafternoon. Small but showy when in bloom.
Blooms/fruits:
Uses in the garden: Mostly as a specimen plant and for its habitat value. Place in out-of-the-way
spot where dry, shriveled foliage is least noticeable.
Does fine in large pots.
Salvias, Buckwheats (Eriogonum), Encelias and cacti/succulents.
Looks nice with
Sensible substitute for: Non-native Mirabilis jalapa (Four-O’Clock; Marvel of Peru)
Excellent bee, butterfly and moth habitat (nectar source). Hummingbirds also attracted
Attracts:
by nectar.
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Full sun to part-shade
Any local texture, pH
Little or none; very drought tolerant as it dies back during the dry season.
None needed
Don’t over-water. Can be cut back after flowering to stimulate growth in coastal
Fairly easy to grow, needs little or no maintenance.
Management:
regions.
Propagation: from seed:
seeds in water overnight).
yes; not difficult. May germinate better by soaking in hot water (leave
by root divisions: probably
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 8, 10-14, 16, 20, 24, 28
12/11/10
© Project SOUND