Whats this Flower?

Hi
Can anyone tell me what the name of this flower is? I believe the seed originally came from Cyprus

 

Hello Mondo

It appears to be Mirablis jalapa (Marvel of Peru or the Four O'Clock Flower). They grow wild here and can be quite invasive and difficult to eradicate as they have tap roots that go to hell I think! I have one coming up now in my gravel that I have been trying to get rid of for about eight years!

In saying the above, they are a lovely plant.

 

I've never had a problem with it in the UK!

 

They are from Mexico and like the heat ... not something that is sustained in the UK if I remember correctly so are usually treated as Annuals. With us they are Perrenials, as I am sure they are in other Med countries.

A good link for them ...

http://www.floridata.com/ref/M/mira_jal.cfm

 

Not sure about all of the UK but they are perennial down here and self seed readily.

 

Hi all
Thanks for the name; I like to know what I have.
I live in Sutton, Surrey and its self seeds each year and dies back in winter.
A bit like marigolds (Calendula) lots of seedlings each year
Yes they have a big tap root but I dig it up each year and wait for the new seedlings
Mondo

 

Oops beter change profile 64 in 1½ weeks
Mondo

 

Hi strongylodon
I was in Weymouth end of August for a caravan holiday
I’m jealous; what a great place
Mondo

 

Is it really a great tap root or just a large tuber that you can lift. I have three growing in a pot, and they have been really good this year. I am planning to lift them and store them over the winter like a Dahlia. I did this last year, but they must have been smaller, because they were rubbish in the border that year.

Vicky - I can only marvel at the thought of being invaded by such a lovely plant. My only complaint is about their timekeeping. I thought the flowers were supposed to open at 4 o'clock in the afternoon - but I can't set my watch by them.

 

I think it's a great place too Mondo.:thumb::D