Characteristics of the mirabilis plant, how to grow and care for a night beauty in a garden, recommendations for reproduction, methods of combating diseases and pests, interesting facts and applications.
According to the botanical classification, Mirabilis belongs to the Nyctaginaceae family, which combines dicotyledonous plants (those that have a pair of cotyledons in their embryos, located opposite each other). The genus has about fifty varieties. The territory of their distribution falls on regions with a temperate or tropical climate. Especially most of these plants are found in the lands of North and South America. One of the varieties is of South Asian origin. Distribution over vast areas of the planet was achieved only under the influence of man.
| Family name | Niktaginovye |
| Growing period | Perennial or annual |
| Vegetation form | Herbaceous |
| Breeding method | Usually seed, rarely vegetative |
| Landing period in open ground | In early summer (if the region is southern, then from mid-April or late May) |
| Landing rules | Seedlings are planted at a distance of 25-30 cm |
| Priming | Lime or ordinary garden |
| Soil acidity values, pH | Above 7 - alkaline |
| Lighting degree | High, open space |
| Humidity parameters | Regular but moderate |
| Special care rules | Does not tolerate shading and too strong drying or waterlogging of the soil |
| Height values | 0.8-1 m |
| Inflorescences or type of flowers | Cymose terminal or axillary inflorescences, can be corymbose or flowers grow singly |
| Flower color | White, yellow and various shades of pink, the color can be monochromatic or variegated |
| Flowering period | May June |
| Decorative period | Spring Summer |
| Application in landscape design | Flower beds or flower beds, mixborders and ridges |
| USDA zone | 5–8 |
This representative of the flora got its name due to the beauty of its flowering, in Latin the word "Mirabilis" is translated as "amazing". Due to the fact that the buds have the peculiarity of blooming at night, the people call the plant "night beauty".
All types of mirabilis can have both perennial and one-year growing periods, but in our latitudes they are grown as summer plants, since they will not survive the winter outdoors. The growth form of the varieties of the night beauty is grassy. The stems can be either bare or pubescent, often sticky to the touch. Shoots grow upright, forming a bush or spread over the soil surface. The height to which the stems are stretched often varies in the range of 80–100 cm. Over time, lignification of the shoots occurs and a dense greenish-brown bark begins to cover them.
The root is presented in the form of a thin rod, it is somewhat reminiscent of a rope, while the formation of tubers occurs on it. Such tuberous formations contribute to the fact that the night beauty can painlessly tolerate drought or a drop in temperature.
The leaf plates of the mirabilis are located opposite each other; they may have petioles or be devoid of them. It is curious that each sheet in such a pair is approximately equal in size to the other. The leaves are thin or characterized by thickening, the outline of the base of the leaf plate is symmetrical. The color of the foliage is a rich dark emerald or grassy color.
When a night beauty blooms, inflorescences are formed, which originate at the tops of the shoots or in the axils of the leaves. Such inflorescences surround the bracts in the form of petals, which cover it in the form of a blanket. Each inflorescence can have about 16 buds. The structure of the inflorescence has a cymose structure, when not only the central axis, but also the lateral ones end with a flower, while the lateral axes can exceed the central one in height. There are five bracts, which do not fall off for quite a long time, and since they grow together, through them, the formation of a veil occurs. The latter can have a leafy or membranous appearance.
Mirabilis flowers are bisexual. The corolla has a tubular shape, the perianth takes the form of a bell, dome or funnel. The corolla tubule is characterized by gradual expansion, or it may begin immediately from the very base. When fully opened, the diameter of the flower is measured 2-3, 5 cm. The color of the corolla can have a snow-white color, yellow or various shades of pink. Today, there are varieties in which the petals differ in both bright monochromatic and so variegated colors.
Curious
There are types and varieties of mirabilis, which are characterized by the fact that flowers of various colors can bloom on one bush.
The number of stamens in a flower varies from 3 to 6 pieces. Anthers on filaments often have a contrasting color in relation to the petals of the flower. The column is higher in height than the stamens, the stigma has a capitate shape. Flowering usually occurs at night and the period when the buds bloom is May-June. When blooming next to the bushes of the night beauty, a pleasant aroma spreads.
After pollination of flowers, fruits ripen, represented by single-seeded capsules, which have a black color and radial symmetry, they also have a keel. The shape of the fruit can be elliptical, almost spherical or obovate. The surface of the mirabilis fruit is smooth or hard, naked or pubescent.
The night beauty plant is not too capricious and, subject to simple rules, will decorate the garden.
Mirabilis in the open field - planting and care rules
- Landing place bushes of a night beauty should be picked up well-lit, and also without a close location of groundwater. You will also need to immediately think about protection from a draft, otherwise the plant will react to the cold wind with twisted foliage. In shade or under the canopy of tree crowns, although growth is possible, its rate will greatly slow down, and flowering may not start.
- Soil for mirabilis loose and well-drained is needed. In this case, the acidity indicators should be within pH 6, 5–7 (neutral soil) or above pH = 7 (alkaline). For a night beauty, a lime substrate is suitable. If the soil on the site is very acidic, then dolomite flour or slaked lime is added to it.
- Landing mirabilis should be carried out when warm weather is established, while it is important to remember that return frosts will destroy the heat-loving plant. Even a decrease in temperature to -5 degrees will immediately kill tender seedlings. The distance between the seedlings should be kept at least 25-30 cm. Some growers place the bushes no closer than half a meter, since there are species that can stretch out and grow quite strongly. Since the seedlings of the night beauty are in individual cups after a pick, then when planting they are removed without destroying the earthen coma, by the so-called transfer method. After planting, watering and mulching are performed using peat chips or ash.
- Watering for this, a representative of the flora should be moderate, since soil flooding will have a very negative effect on the root system. Since the root is tap-shaped, a slight drought is not terrible for the bushes. Typically, the watering regime is humidification every 7 days. If even after watering the foliage does not restore its turgor, you should not add more water, since after a while it will return to its normal state. It is important to water the bushes of mirabilis during the flowering period, because if the soil is too dry, the buds fly around without even opening.
- Fertilizers for a plant, night beauty is very necessary, since it is characterized by a high growth rate. Top dressing is recommended to be applied regularly. After the seedlings are planted in open ground, they are immediately fertilized with the use of a full complex fertilizer (for example, Fertiki or Kemira). Repeat feeding will be required 2-3 times during the growing season. Organic preparations should not be used, as they will provoke violent growth of deciduous mass to the detriment of flowering.
- Wintering mirabilis bushes in our latitudes is impossible, but in the south it is quite possible to preserve plants until spring. To do this, after flowering, the entire aerial part is cut off, and the soil above the roots must be covered with a layer of fallen leaves or spruce branches. The height of such a layer should not be less than 10-15 cm.
- General advice on care. After watering and feeding the bushes of the night beauty have been carried out, you should carefully loosen the soil around the plants and regularly weed the weeds.
- The use of mirabilis in landscape design. Since the shrubs of the night beauty have not only attractive flowers, but also large leaf plates, they can serve as an excellent background for other plants in a flower garden. Well, with the arrival of evening time, the "solo program" of mirabilis will begin, in which few representatives of the flora will be able to oppose themselves in beauty and strength of aroma.
If a large-sized species is being grown, then with the help of such bushes, hedges can be formed. However, since the scent may be too intense, it may not be advisable to plant such fragrant flowers near gazebos or terraces (any other resting place) as some sensitive people may get headaches. If the mirabilis is planted in a mixed flower garden, then it is customary to place chamomiles and marigolds next to it, marigolds, carnations and petunias will act as good neighbors. It's nice to decorate with bushes of night beauty mixborders and rabatki.
Read also about planting and caring for gypsophila outdoors
Recommendations for the reproduction of mirabilis
Despite the fact that the night beauty plant is a perennial, in our latitudes it is almost impossible to winter, therefore it is cultivated as an annual. In this case, the seed method of reproduction is used, but occasionally it is possible to use a vegetative method (cuttings or by rooting tubers).
- Propagation of mirabilis by seeds. Since these representatives of the flora have the possibility of self-seeding, then in the flowerbed with the arrival of a new spring in regions with a temperate climate, you can see young sprouts of plants of a night beauty. If the cultivation will be carried out in a more southern climatic zone, then you can sow seed directly into the ground in a flower bed in mid-spring. Before this, the soil should be leveled, grooves should be made and seeds should be laid in them. After that, the crops are covered with a loose substrate and watered.
- Reproduction of mirabilis by seedlings. If the climate is colder and does not allow for spring sowing, seedlings should be grown. Seeds are sown in seedling boxes with the arrival of spring (early March). Not only seedling boxes are used, but also disposable cups, due to the fact that the size of the seeds is quite large. The soil for seedlings is mixed from peat, turf soil and coarse river sand. Since mirabilis is distinguished by a rod-shaped rhizome, the container should be selected deeper. Before sowing, the seeds are prepared by soaking for 10-12 hours in a solution of potassium permanganate of a light pink hue to prevent fungal diseases. The depth of the seed should not exceed 1.5–2 cm. The sown seeds must be watered and covered with plastic wrap or a piece of glass should be placed on top. These measures will maintain high levels of humidity and heat. For germination, it is recommended that the column of the thermometer be in the range of 18–20 units. It is also necessary to provide good lighting. A box with crops is placed on the window sill, but shaded from the midday rays of the sun. After 14–20 days, the first sprouts of mirabilis can be seen. If the seedlings are in individual cups, then they do not need to be dived, otherwise such an operation will have to be carried out. Before planting, the seedlings should be hardened, so at the end of May they are placed in fresh air in the daytime for 15–20 minutes, gradually increasing each day by 10–15 minutes, so that eventually it becomes round the clock. When the spring frosts have completely stopped, then you can start planting a night beauty in a flower bed.
- Propagation of mirabilis by cuttings. Any vegetative propagation is recommended for ornamental varieties, as this will preserve all the characteristics of the mother plant. It is recommended to cut blanks for grafting from semi-lignified shoots in the summer. Within a few hours, they need to be dried, after which the cut is treated with a root formation stimulator (it can be Kornevin or heteroauxinic acid). Cuttings are planted in deep pots filled with soil for seedlings or a peat-sand mixture. You can put a glass jar or a plastic bottle with a cut-off bottom on top. Seedlings care should be watering and airing, while heat indicators should be in the range of 20-24 degrees. Some growers practice bottom heating of the soil. After 2-3 weeks, the cuttings will take root and grow them indoors until next summer, then transplant them to a prepared place in the garden.
- Reproduction of mirabilis by root tubers. This method is also suitable for the propagation of varietal plants. In the autumn period, the tubers of the night beauty are dug up and placed in a container filled with sawdust. So the tubers are stored until spring, while it is important that the temperature indicators are about 5 degrees Celsius. Some growers put them on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator for this. When spring comes and the soil warms up thoroughly, and return frosts recede, the tubers are planted in a flowerbed in open ground with sprouts upwards.
See also tips for breeding Malopa flowers in your backyard.
Disease and pest control methods when growing mirabilis
Since the plant is quite resistant to various diseases and harmful insects, it has gained popularity among flower growers for this. But if the above rules of agricultural technology are violated, some problems may arise. The main ones are provoked by too high air humidity, waterlogged soil and low temperatures. These diseases include:
- Rust which is of fungal origin and is manifested by the appearance of brown or red-brown spots on the leaves of mirabilis. Over time, the affected tissues die off and the plant dies. For treatment, it is recommended to remove all parts of the plant affected by the disease and burn them, and then treat the bushes of the night beauty with fungicidal preparations, such as Fundazol or Bordeaux liquid.
- Spotting, which has both fungal and viral etiology. In the first case, treatment is possible and is carried out in the above described way; in the second option, it is recommended to burn all infected plants, since viral diseases are incurable.
- Powdery mildew or linen, which is visible due to the fact that the leaves seem to be watered with a solution of lime. It is necessary to remove all parts of the whitish shade and spray the bushes with fungicides.
- Root rot, occurs due to a waterlogged substrate with frequent precipitation or watering, the plants begin to wither and die. It is important to normalize the moisture regime or even transplant with pretreatment with fungicides.
In order not to expose mirabilis to such diseases, it is recommended:
- Since the plant is thermophilic, do not plant it in early spring, but only in late May or early summer.
- Do not plant in places that are blown through by drafts, which provokes a decrease in temperature.
Usually, harmful insects are not too interested in the shrubs of the night beauty due to the possible presence of a sticky surface of the leaves, but in rare cases, if manifestations are visible, such as unreasonable yellowing of foliage, thin cobwebs or small green bugs, you should immediately treat the plants with insecticidal agents (for example, Fitoverm or Aktara).
Read also how to deal with diseases and pests when growing a scabbard
Interesting notes about the plant "night beauty"
This representative of the flora is very popular in the territories of its natural growth, since some of its species can be used for food (for example, Mirabilis expansa) or for cosmetic purposes.
If we talk about the use of such a decorative type as Mirabilis jalapa (Mirabilis jalapa), then there are references to it even in ancient Aztec records. They say that the plant is capable of forming thickets with its shoots, which contribute to the creation of shadow, and dense leaf plates also contribute to this. When blooming, a strong (for some people, smelly) aroma spreads around.
The inhabitants of the American territories ate the foliage of the night beauty, and the flowers made it possible to produce food coloring. Even today, food paint of raspberry color, made on their basis, is used to give cakes and jelly a beautiful appetizing color scheme.
Also, American peoples knew about the medicinal properties of mirabilis. The substances included in its composition have a diuretic effect and the ability to heal wounds. When using tubers, a laxative effect was observed. A decoction from the foliage of the plant can be used to treat purulent formations on the skin and relieve inflammation. The juice of the leaves has a quick wound healing effect.
Important
Mirabilis seeds are poisonous. This aspect must be taken into account when collecting fruits and growing a plant in places accessible to children and animals. However, the seed of some varieties can be used not only as a coloring agent, but also for cosmetic purposes.
Types and varieties of mirabilis
Mirabilis jalapa
can also occur under the name Night beauty or Mirabilis laxative, which indicates its medicinal properties. It is the most common type. The plant received the specific name due to the natural place of growth of Jalapa (Yalapa or Xalapa), which is called the region in the south or in the central part of America. Perennial with a herbaceous form of development, the shoots of which can vary in height in the range of 30–80 cm. Stems are erect, with strong branching. They are densely covered with foliage, large in size, bright green.
With the arrival of summer, corymbose inflorescences are formed, composed of flowers with funnel-shaped corollas. When opened, the diameter of the flower reaches 2.5 cm. When flowering, a strong fragrant aroma spreads next to the plants. The color of the petals can be white, orange, red or crimson, various shades of pink and yellow. There are also varieties with variegated coloring. The buds begin to bloom from 4 o'clock in the afternoon and stand open until the morning. Flowering can be extended until the first frost. The most famous varieties are:
- Serenade has flowers that open up to a diameter of 6 cm. The color of the petals is white, red, yellow and purple. A large number of shoots are formed, and they form a dense bush. Flowering stretches from early summer to mid-autumn. Suitable for flower gardens.
- Marble (Marmoreal) characterized by a bright color of flowers with a pattern of darker veins. Corolla shades are also different. A large number of flowers appear on plants; the flowering process takes the period from July to August. Designed for mixborders and flower beds.
- Mathis pleases with a very diverse palette of colors, which include yellow, orange, blood red and pink tones, as well as corollas of raspberry, coral and lilac colors. Purpose - flower beds.
- Drakosha or as it is also called Dragon, is famous for very fragrant flowers, red hue. The diameter of the opening of flowers can be 4–5 cm. The buds begin to bloom in the afternoon. It is grown not only in flower beds, but also in flower beds.
- Cavalier characterized by flowers with yellow or red corollas. The application is the same as for the varieties described above.
- Iolanthe from the shoots, a spherical shrub is formed, not exceeding half a meter in height. The color of the petals is varied, while there is a pattern of stripes and strokes, the size of the flowers is medium. Flowering begins in the first days of July and can continue until the onset of frost.
- Red candy the color of the petals in the flowers of this variety is pure red. The diameter of the bud opening is 5–6 cm.
- White candy completely similar to the variety presented above, with the difference that the flowers are snow-white.
- Yellow candy when blooming, flowers of a bright yellow color bloom.
- Purple candy compact shrub, the shoots of which are covered with purple flowers.
Mirabilis multiflora (Mirabilis multiflora)
distributed in the southwestern regions of the United States. Prefers to grow on rocky or sandy ground, at an absolute height of at least 2500 m characterized by elevation. The leaf plate is juicy, has an oval or rounded shape. Its length is 12 cm. The surface is bare or pubescent.
When flowering from the leaf sinuses, buds appear on the upper shoots. Usually a bell-shaped bedspread is surrounded by three pairs of flowers. The cover is formed by five bracts, characterized by partial splicing. The corolla is formed by five petals; when they open, the diameter of the flower is 4–6 cm. The petals are painted in a crimson shade.
Round-leaved Mirabilis (Mirabilis rotundifolia)
is represented by a perennial plant with a herbaceous form of growth. Its shoots are upright, characterized by a pubescent surface. Their height is 20-30 cm. The foliage has a sticky surface and a rounded or oval shape. The length of the leaf plate reaches 7 cm with a width of about 6 cm. Flowering begins in the evening and at noon the corollas close their petals. The inflorescence has a branched structure, it is surrounded by a bell-shaped veil, which is formed by bracts spliced to various degrees. Each veil "hides" three flowers, the petals of which have a crimson-pink hue. The corolla opens up to 1 cm across. A fruit with a pubescent surface does not exceed 0.5 cm in length.
This species is endangered as the plant is endemic to the US state of Colorado.
Video about growing mirabilis in the garden:
