| Four O'Clock Seeds ( Mirabilis jalapa ). In July of 1767 Jefferson observed the blooms of his Four O'clocks: "Mirabilis just opened, very clever." In 1811 he noted planting seed sent by André Thouin of the Parisian Jardin des Plantes in an oval flower bed at Monticello. Four O'clocks are cherished for the simple miracle of the flowers, which only open during low light periods. Although now somewhat fallen from favor, they create a stunning effect in the evening, and on cloudy days when planted in large groupings. Four O'clocks are... - Four O'Clock Seeds ( Mirabilis jalapa ). |