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Unknown Plant
Earlier this year I noticed a plant coming up in a bed where I had planted Wallflower seeds. Not recognising it, I left it in, to see what would happen..
It grew quite slowly, then in late September started to get buds - it is now in flower, but I do not have a clue what the plant is. Can anyone help please?
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yes indeed. Mirabilis jalapa, 4 o'clock flower, Marvel of Peru.
Usually grown as an annual it is perennial but not too hardy. Very easy from seed
In the sticks near Peterborough
Thanks Nutcutlet - you are clever, I had never even heard of the plant. I assume it was a rogue seed in my packet of Wallflowers.
Will look up some info now and see what I am supposed to do with it over winter. Perhaps I should dig it up, put it in a container and keep frost free ?
you could do that, I find it easier to save seed.
In the sticks near Peterborough
Did not think of the seed option, as I have never been very sucessful with plants from my own seed collections. Perhaps, I do not keep them properly.
If this plant does pass away over the winter, I would certainly look to buy seeds next year.
Mine are still making seed. They germinate very reliably from a spring sowing. The seeds are black when they're ripe.
But, if you get another packet you can have mixed colours including striped ones
In the sticks near Peterborough