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Pruning guide · Annual
Four o’clock flower: when and how to prune
Mirabilis jalapa
Four o’clock flower is best pruned in October.
| Pruning months | October |
|---|---|
| Flowering | July–October |
| Good for bees, butterflies and birds | Yes, for butterflies |
| Native to Belgium | No, planted |
| Poisonous to people and pets | Yes, take care with children and pets |
Four o’clock flower: when to prune it?
No pruning is needed. In October, after the first light frost, cut the stems off when you lift the tuber.
What else to prune in those months? October
Four o’clock flower: how to prune it?
- Cut the frost-blackened stems back to about 10 cm above the ground.
- Lift the tuber carefully, let the soil dry and brush it off.
- In summer simply cut back broken or over-long stems.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: October.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Four o’clock flower flowers in July–October, when it attracts butterflies.
- If pruning falls during flowering, wait until it is over or leave part of the plant to flower, so bees and butterflies still benefit.
Caution: The tuber and seed are poisonous: wash your hands after handling them and leave nothing lying around where children or pets can reach it.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Four o’clock flower · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.