A flower-bearing plant, the night beauty is increasingly conquering corners in gardeners' plots. This plant is loved by the fact that it is distinguished by its endurance to weather conditions, tolerates drought well and is not demanding on the soil.
This is a fairly tall plant with a lot of straight shoots and beautiful bright flowers, the cultivation of which does not require special skills.
Description of the flower and methods of cultivation
night beauty, or Mirabilis Yalapa, a native of South America, or rather, from Mexico, was brought to Europe in the middle of the 18th century.
A distinctive feature of the night beauty is herself bud opening phase, it blooms in the evening hours and at night, while a unique aroma spreads throughout the entire district.
However, it is not recommended to plant this plant in the areas of those who have allergies or intolerance to strong aromas. It is grown in two ways, sowing seeds or planting tubers. It has a large number of colors, while on one bush there can be up to 5 different color buds.
Types of flower of the night beauty or mirabalis
- Many-flowered.
- Terry.
- Tall.
- Undersized.
The plants on which the flowers have a color that changes from almost black to white buds look most impressive. There are also varieties of flower stalks, which have striped or iridescent.
There are two ways to grow on your own personal plot night beauty:
- seeds;
- tubers.
Growing seedlings of the night beauty from seeds
If you want to grow mirabilis on your plot, growing from seeds is one of the possible ways. Sowing is done late March, early April, and in the regions of Siberia and Far East it is best to sow in early March.
In this case, you can be sure that the plant will fully develop and please with a riot of color. Before sowing seeds should soak for a day in warm water. This is done so that the hard shell, saturated with water, becomes softer.
Land for sowing seeds can be taken universal, the plant is not too demanding. seeds burrow into damp earth by 0.5 cm and spill again warm water. The container with the sown seeds is covered with glass or film and placed in a warm place.
After 2 weeks, the first shoots appear. The shelter is removed, and the plants are placed on a light windowsill. In the phase of the first true leaves mirabilis dive into separate cups and make sure the soil doesn't dry out.
On warm spring days, young mirabilis can be taken out into the fresh air for hardening. They should be planted outdoors when the danger of frost has passed. Landing is best done V rainy weather , then the plants will quickly take root in a permanent place of growth.
Growing from tubers
Store-bought tubers in winter are best stored in the refrigerator on the vegetable shelf until planting.
Night beauty tubers can be planted in open ground when the soil warms up to a depth of 10-15 centimeters, somewhere around the middle of April, early May.
If sufficiently large sprouts have already appeared on the mirabilis tubers, then the flowers should be at night cover plastic bottles or non-woven fabric.
After the period of night frosts has passed, the shelter is removed and the plant is given complete freedom of growth. However, if the shoots of mirabilis are too long and weak, they should be pinched off, leaving no more than 10 centimeters.
Planting mirabalis in the open field
The soil for the night beauty should not be too acidic. It's best if it's clay or loamy soil. In the area intended for planting mirabilis, there should be a sufficient amount of light, since in the shade or partial shade the plant does not bloom well and stretches.
Mirabilis is an aggressive plant and can displace neighbors in a flower bed, so planting should take place in spacious areas or at the fence, thus forming a hedge.
However, there are also undersized varieties this flower, the cultivation of which can be carried out in a flower pot or planted to frame flower beds, rockeries, borders. Low-growing mirabilis varieties look good next to the following types of flowers:
- Tall roses.
- Delphiniums.
- Peonies.
Mirabilis, landing and leaving open ground for which it does not require special skills, it lends itself very well to shaping.
It can be pinch, cut, while the flowering will only intensify. Shoots formed by pruning the stems in the shape of a ball or pyramid look beautiful, as they are all instantly covered with flowers and become fully blooming.
Rules for the care of the night beauty
On hot days, the night beauty should be irrigated with water in the evening hours, but watering should be carried out once every 3-4 days. From an excess of moisture, the plant can stretch out and stop blooming.
Top dressing is carried out once a month, and Mirabilis loves organic fertilizers, so it is best to apply to the root zone mullein or bird droppings . If there are no natural organic fertilizers, then you can dilute the infusion of humate and shed the root zone.
Since the beauty of the night perennial, then in the fall after the first frost should be cut off all green shoots at a level of 10 centimeters from the ground and let them dry well, then dig out the rhizomes, dry in the sun and put in boxes, while falling asleep with dry sand or sawdust. You can't forget about it, it's part of leaving.
Store, like other nodule plants, in the basement at a temperature not lower than +5 degrees. Care must be taken that mirabilis flowers do not start growing too early, and if growth buds appear in the winter months transfer the tubers to the refrigerator.
However, in the southern regions of our country, the night beauty winters excellently in the soil, you just need to cut the shoots and mulch the soil with straw or sawdust.
Growing a night beauty is a simple matter. With proper care, every gardener will be able to grow on his site beautiful plant with a large number of bright colors and an indescribable aroma, to the envy of everyone around. And even at night, delight your eyes with a beautiful view of the flowering area.
With the onset of spring, tubers similar to carrots can be seen in the windows of flower shops, and flowers flaunt in the attached picture bright colors, which at first glance is difficult not to be confused with fragrant tobacco. The name of this amazing flower with a pleasant aroma - mirabilis.
The plant is striking in that during the day its buds are closed, and after 5 pm they begin to open, and remain so throughout the night, delighting with their delicate and delicate aroma. It is thanks to this feature among people that this plant is known as the "night beauty".
Besides, unusual characteristics mirabilis does not end there. The flowers of the night beauty look very graceful against the background of lawns.
Since the inflorescences of the plant are known for their delicate aroma, the most unusual insects flock to them, anticipating to taste the delicious nectar. Mirabilis bushes are completely covered with buds. Even if some of them fade, they will be replaced by new ones, and in greater numbers.
Unusual flowers. Beauty of the Night: Historical Homeland
Mirabilis originated in Latin America, namely Mexico, Peru, Chile, where there are more than 60 species. The plant is famous for its powerful stem and shoots, thanks to which mirabilis is not afraid of adverse climatic conditions.
Mirabilis Features
Night beauty is a flower (see photo above), which is grown as a perennial or annual plant, which is a bush. Some varieties reach a height of up to 1 m. Small, broadly lanceolate leaves of a dark green night beauty. The flowers have the shape of a funnel, five petals, fused at the base, form a narrow tube and a corolla, which has the shape of a circle with a diameter of up to 2.5 cm. The characteristic colors for the night beauty are white, yellow, crimson or scarlet.
Fragrant delicate inflorescences open in the evening or in cloudy weather. Night beauty is a flower that is characterized abundant flowering from July until the first frost. Large seeds of mirabilis, similar to a nut in a black hard shell, do not lose their germination for 3 years.
Mirabilis planting methods
In practice, the most common method of growing mirabilis from seeds, which, under favorable climatic conditions, namely, with a sufficiently warm and dry summer, can be prepared independently.
In addition, it is possible to grow a night beauty by cuttings from tubers.
Flower night beauty: planting seeds
Most favorable time for sowing Mirabilis seeds is the end of March or the beginning of April. Planting is carried out in pre-prepared greenhouses or special boxes designed for growing at home on the windowsill. The preferred temperature for seed germination is 18-20 degrees.
Before sowing, it is recommended to pre-wrap the seeds with a damp cloth, so that shoots will appear in two weeks. It is recommended to plant seeds in the ground to a depth equal to no more than 2 cm. When planting seeds in open ground, it is necessary to ensure that the soil warms up sufficiently and frost is not expected.
Growing mirabilis from tubers
The tubers of the plant are found in flower shops, On the market. Also, if night beauty flowers were planted in the garden, you can dig up their tubers and place them in sawdust for overwintering.
The storage of mirabilis tubers is similar to the storage of dahlia tubers, for which the most optimal temperature considered 5 degrees. When spring comes, it is advisable to germinate the tubers of the plant before planting them. However, in most cases, this method is not considered effective, since the tubers can simply dry out over the winter.
Growing mirabilis by cuttings
This method of propagation of mirabilis can hardly be called popular, and all due to the fact that the preparation and planting of cuttings of this delightful flower is an inefficient task, taking a lot of time and requiring the gardener's careful attention. When growing a night beauty by cuttings, semi-lignified shoots are used, which are recommended to be placed in a container with a growth stimulator before planting, and only after that, planting in a pre-prepared substrate.
The rooting process of the night beauty will not take much time. Usually, this requires no more than 2 weeks, provided that the shoots were carefully cared for, which implies regular soil moisture, as well as maintaining a temperature of +20 - +24 degrees. In addition, the option of additional heating of containers with planted cuttings is not excluded. After the threat of possible frosts has ceased, the rooted cuttings are planted in the garden plot.
How to choose the right site
The right choice of a site for growing a night beauty is a guarantee that the time spent will not be in vain. In Russia, due to climatic features, mirabilis is mainly grown as an annual plant, since the root system is not able to withstand low temperatures in winter.
The most common variety found in the country is Mirabilis Jalapa. It should be noted that the flowers of the night beauty prefer well-lit places. In addition, the plant does not tolerate excessive moisture stagnation. When choosing a site for a plant, it is recommended to give preference to fertile loams. If there is a greenhouse garden plot, pots from the night beauty can be kept there.
The night beauty is a flower (photo), planting and caring for which requires the most minimal effort. Initially, it is necessary to determine the location of the plant in the garden, and then ensure timely watering, fertilizing, and loosening the soil. Mirabilis will be very grateful to the use of complex fertilizers, which are recommended to be applied at least 3 times.
The use of fertilizers will speed up the process of shoot growth and contribute to the appearance of more buds.
Night beauty flowers, planting and caring for which are quite simple, require timely and abundant watering, but at the same time overflow and moisture stagnation should not be allowed. Also, do not forget about loosening the soil and timely extermination of weeds. If you follow the above recommendations, as a reward for the labors of the grower garden flower the night beauty (photo in the article) will please with its delightful inflorescences, thanks to which land plot will not only be transformed, but also filled with a gentle unforgettable aroma.
Pests and diseases of the night beauty
The removal of damaged leaves, as well as their thorough treatment with a fungicide, will help get rid of the appearance of spotting. With an excess of moisture in the soil, the roots of the night beauty begin to gradually rot. In this case, diseased plants are removed, the soil is treated with a fungicide, and the frequency of watering and their volume are reduced.
The use of mirabilis in landscape design
Depending on the variety, the night beauty is a flower (photo above), which reaches up to 100 cm in height, and dwarf ones - 30-40 centimeters. This is exactly what should be taken into account when planting mirabilis in a flower garden in the foreground or middle plan. High varieties of mirabilis are used as excellent hedges.
Compact varieties of night beauty are usually planted in massive groups that can be used in borders, mixborders, and discounts. The most suitable neighbors will be annual flowers such as daisies, marigolds and others.
Mirabilis is often used as a decoration for balconies or terraces. In this case, undersized varieties are useful, which are recommended to be planted in deep pots.
This amazing plant, which defied the laws of nature, and reveals all its beauty and wonderful enchanting aroma with a bright moon and stars. And although the night beauty is a flower (photo), planting and caring for which can be done even by a novice florist, it is quite rare.
In the genus of herbaceous annuals and perennials, there are exotic flower night beauty, or as it is called mirabilis in Latin. The garden planting received its popular name in connection with one of its features: it blooms after sunset and pleases with its graceful appearance until sunrise. It reaches a height of 25-75 cm. The flowering period is long: from June to September. Color palette varied: purple, snow-white, lilac and bright red petals. There are species with multi-colored petals.
Flowers of the night beauty have a delicate pleasant aroma. One inflorescence form about 16 flowers. The plant is native to the American tropics. Outwardly, the bush is sprawling, with densely closed branches. They are sticky to the touch, without leaves, sometimes with slight pubescence. Petiolate or sessile leaves are very thin. The root system, due to the ability to accumulate moisture reserves, has a pronounced ability to create tubers. As a fruit, a box is presented, in the form of a nut, with seeds.
Use in landscape design
Mirabis is famous for its decorative effect all over the world. beautiful bush with a pleasant aroma can transform any part of the garden. Due to its unpretentiousness, it is used in the creation of:
- flowerbeds;
- discount;
- hedges;
- border and solo landings.
The sweet smell attracts many butterflies at night, creating a unique atmosphere in the backyard. 
Dwarf varieties in group compositions occupy the middle or foreground. They are also planted as a way to decorate balconies, summer terraces and recreation areas. Tall representatives, due to the sufficient growth and density of the bush, are planted as a hedge. She can zone the site, protecting it from wind, dust and prying eyes.
Combination with other plants
Combining the beauty of the night with other cultures is a pleasure. It is unpretentious, and rich colors allow you to become a member of any ensemble. Ideal neighbors are any small flowers. Such recognized leaders as are able to switch attention exclusively to themselves, leaving all neighboring plantations in the shade. Therefore, landing next to them is best avoided. The best combinations obtained with:
- daisy;
- chamomile.
flower reproduction
seeds
Before sowing, they are soaked in warm water for a day. They are planted in open ground in mid-May, observing the optimal distance - 45 cm.
For seedlings, planting material is sown at the end of March, in a greenhouse. Pots must be covered with film or glass to create a greenhouse effect and retain the necessary moisture. Before germination, the soil is moderately watered. Shoots appear after 2 weeks, then they are carefully dived into separate peat cups. For the full development of the root system, they must be high.
After the first 2 leaves appear and warm weather sets in, the seedlings are planted in open ground, observing the required distance (at least 30 cm).
cuttings
Less popular way. Most often used if it is difficult to get seeds. The cuttings are left to dry before planting so that they are a little stiff. To stimulate growth, the bottom of the planting material is treated with special phytostimulants. The stalk is placed in a special nutrient mixture or in an ordinary glass of water. Its temperature must be at least 21 degrees. Otherwise, the roots will not appear. The root system should be formed in a period of 2 weeks to a month.
If during the specified period the cuttings did not take root, then they can be thrown away and try with a new one. planting material. But most of the time, these problems don't happen. Each sprout must have its own capacity in which it will grow and adapt.
By dividing the bush
rare and least effective method, but there are also his fans. Soil is dug around the bush, 45 cm in diameter. The plant is carefully removed from the soil. An earthen lump is slightly shaken off. With a sharp knife, they are divided into several parts, each of which should have a root fragment.
Plant them on their permanent place immediately, watering abundantly. The process is carried out at the end of May, when there is no risk of frost. Due to the ability to grow strongly, the distance between the divisions is about 40 cm.
Landing and care
Site selection and soil preparation
The right site is a guarantee of lush and long flowering, active growth. An open sunny area, with a little shade, protected from drafts and gusts of wind is the best option.
The most favorable soil is loamy or clayey. To improve growing conditions, a little lime is added to each well before planting. Acidic soil is strictly prohibited. Night beauty will not be able to grow on it. Each hole must have a good drainage layer of broken brick, stone or pebbles.
Loosening is carried out every time after wetting or rain. This will give the necessary oxygen access to the tubers. Thanks to this, the bush does not become too dense. Simultaneously with loosening, all weeds are removed. Neighborhood with them deprives the bush of the necessary useful substances and moisture from the soil.
Watering and fertilizing
Watering is required in exceptional cases. Mirabilis belongs to drought-resistant crops, and is itself able to accumulate moisture. Only abnormal heat and a long period without natural precipitation can be reasons for additional moisture.
Top dressing is done complex fertilizers 4 times during the season. If the soil is initially fertilized before planting, no more fertilizing is done.
Diseases and pests
It has sufficient resistance to various kinds of diseases. But there are cases of infection rust or spotting. Infected parts must be removed. Night beauty is treated with a special chemical agent- fungicide.
Violation of the rules for care - excessive moisture, leads to decay of the root system.
Pruning and winterizing
Perennial molding is not needed. Cut off only faded flowers.
Mirabis is grown as a perennial only in warm climates. It does not survive a long winter and is planted as an annual. Experienced gardeners find a way out in extracting the bush in the fall and storing it in a cool room until spring, insulated with peat or sawdust.
Species and varietal diversity
night beauty red lollipop
To date, 4 of the most popular varieties are actively used in horticulture:
- iolanthe. The crown is spherical. Reaches a height of up to half a meter. Stems are wide, knotty. The flowers are medium in size, with a bright juicy color. A distinctive feature of the color is the streak-like stripes on the petals.
- Elvira. The crown of a low perennial bush is rounded. Dark green pointed leaves. Bright variegated color attracts various insects.
- red lollipop. Tall representative (90 cm). Stems are smooth, fairly branched. The flowers are massive, much larger than other varieties, funnel-shaped. The color is bright red.
- yalapa. The bush reaches medium size (55 cm). Green stems frame succulent leaves. The flowers are tubular, deep purple. Opens at 4 p.m., after a recession solar activity. Flowering is long - until the end of October.
How to grow mirabilis jalapa from seeds, is special care required? night beauty - unpretentious plant, with the cultivation of which even an inexperienced gardener can handle.
Beautiful flowers are loved by all people, but many are stopped by the need for complex plant care. In such cases, we recommend that you start growing mirabilis. These brightly scented, tropical flowers are hardy and don't require a Ph.D. in Horticulture.
Description of Mirabilis
Mirabilis - in Latin Mirabilis - is a genus of plants that belongs to the family Nyctaginaceae (Nightflowers). It includes 50 species, but only one of them is common in the Russian Federation - Yalapa, which is sometimes called a laxative.
Among gardeners, this plant is known as "Dawn" or "Night Beauty", because it blooms in the evening and blooms until dawn.
Where does Mirabilis grow?
Mirabilis is native to South America. It grows in warm tropical countries, and therefore in our country it is more common in the southern regions. In warm regions, mirabilis is known as a perennial plant, and where it is much colder, it grows as an annual, as the roots freeze through in winter.
Mirabilis is often referred to as "the joy of the budding gardener" because it is so easy to plant and care for. Not only a personal acquaintance with the plant, but just photographs - bright, juicy, colorful - make you want to grow such a miracle in your garden. Growing mirabilis from seeds does not require special equipment and complex skills, just follow the seedling care instructions and enjoy the delicious twilight aroma of the Night Beauty.
The buds open in the afternoon, wither after a few hours, but then they are replaced by others - and this goes on all night. Sometimes mirabilis begins to bloom in bad weather, when the sky is covered with clouds. The season lasts from May until the first frost.
The appearance of the flower
Mirabilis Jalapa - herbaceous plant growing in strong compact bushes. In rare cases, they reach more than a meter in height, but usually do not exceed 80 centimeters. Roots swollen, tuberous. Mirabilis flowers look like patterned funnels or a gramophone trumpet. They amaze with a variety of shades: there are white, yellow, pink, red, orange, crimson-purple, lilac, purple.
Many photos of mirabilis show that the flowers are both plain and colored in two or more shades. An interesting feature: on one bush there can be flowers of various tones! Sometimes the petals are striped.
After the plant has faded, ribbed dark brown fruit-boxes appear, each of which contains one seed, which will certainly come in handy when growing mirabilis. Germination lasts up to three years. The seeds are large, oval, dark, the surface is wrinkled and hard.
How to grow a night beauty
Growing from seeds is one of the most reliable ways. In the southern region, plant seeds directly into the soil, but do not before the first numbers of May. Then the earth is already warm enough, and the seeds have a chance to take root. If you use a semi-warm greenhouse, then plant mirabilis in early April. Still, this way of landing is risky.
It is more efficient to plant seeds at home.
Planting seeds for seedlings
Take deep cups for seedlings, plant one or two seeds there. The sprouts will be large enough, and if you plant more, then the seedlings will have to be thinned out. In a few days, mirabilis will rise, and after about a month and a half (in June), plant it in open ground.
When planting in a permanent place of residence, observe the interval between sprouts. The gap is from 25 cm (for dwarf plants) up to 60 (for tall bushes).
It is not necessary to soak the seeds before planting, it is enough to moisten the substrate well. Keep in mind that soaked seeds will sprout much faster - in just 1-2 days. Yulia Petrichenko, expert
For seedlings, a substrate is needed, consisting of the following parts:
- turf;
- peat;
- river sand or fine gravel.
Take a little more sand than turf and peat. Some gardeners plant seeds in loam or clay soil with the addition of lime - the unpretentiousness of mirabilis allows for variations. Remember: the flower does not tolerate acidic soils!
Cups for growing Mirabilis should be deep, because the roots grow down, not in breadth. Before planting the seeds, add ashes to each of the holes - ash soils favorably affect the growth of the Night Beauty.
Other ways to propagate mirabilis
Mirabilis can also be propagated by budding, but this is more difficult than growing from seeds. To do this, separate the semi-lignified cutting from the plant and dry the place of the cut. Then place in a special growth stimulator to activate rooting, and plant in steamed nutrient soil. With careful care and regular watering room temperature the stalk will successfully take root, and in May you will plant it in open ground.
There is another way to propagate mirabilis - with the help of tubers. Most botanists and gardeners agree that this method is not optimal. Dig up the tubers and place them in sand or sawdust. Store at a temperature of approximately +3-5 until the next sowing season. However, practice shows that this method is unreliable, and most tubers die due to insufficient moisture and lack of nutrients.
Mirabilis Care
Mirabilis - unpretentious flower and does not require constant monitoring and care, it easily tolerates drought.
Important growing principles:
- mirabilis loves warmth;
- organize good lighting, but protect the flower from direct sunlight;
- treat him with top dressing several times a season (no more than 3-4 times);
- fresh compost and manure are detrimental to the plant;
- the soil should not be overdried (mirabilis will react to this by temporarily stopping blooming), but waterlogging should also not be allowed;
- carefully pick off wilted buds.
Useful properties of the plant
Mirabilis in landscape design
Mirabilis is best known as ornamental plant. It is beautiful and fragrant, so gardeners are happy to use it to decorate home gardens. Some fans keep mirabilis at home, in spacious tubs filled with clay soil - this option is not suitable for everyone due to the strong and pungent smell of the plant.
Mirabilis is often used in landscape design. Dwarf bushes are planted in flowerbeds and in flower beds, and colorful hedges are formed from tall, almost meter bushes. The aroma of flowers always attracts large evening and night butterflies.
Application in medicine
In addition to decorative functions, mirabilis has useful properties. Its tubers are often used as a laxative, and the flowers as a food coloring. Some parts of the plant (such as leaves and stem elements) are believed to have anti-inflammatory effects. A decoction of the leaves is a good drawing agent for abscesses. Mirabilis leaf juice is known as a wound healing drug.
In some cases, mirabilis leaves can be eaten, but this is not recommended unless absolutely necessary.
