8 Backyard Plants That Smell Better At Night

Tip #3: Four O’Clocks (Mirabilis jalapa)

Four O’Clocks earn their straightforward name by reliably opening their trumpet-shaped blooms late in the afternoon, generally right around four o’clock. As the daytime temperatures begin to cool, these bushy plants spring to life, filling the air with a delicate, lemony-sweet fragrance that persists throughout the night.

One of the most fascinating aspects of growing Four O’Clocks in your backyard is their genetic quirkiness; you will frequently see a single plant producing flowers in multiple distinct colors—including bright magenta, soft pink, vivid yellow, and pristine white. You might even discover individual petals that feature striking splashes or stripes of contrasting hues.

These versatile plants thrive with remarkably little fuss. They grow rapidly from seed and establish a deep tuberous root system that helps them tolerate periods of drought. Simply sow the large, dark seeds directly into average, well-draining soil in a sunny or partially shaded spot.

In zones 7 through 10, Four O’Clocks behave as hardy perennials that return faithfully each spring. If you garden in colder regions, you can either treat them as self-sowing annuals or carefully dig up the tubers in the late fall to store them in a cool, dark basement over the winter—much like you would with dahlia bulbs.

Their bushy, mounding habit makes them ideal for filling empty gaps in your landscape design or lining a main walkway where you can appreciate their twilight perfume.