Four O'Clocks? Black hand grenade seed pods

[ElleDoesIt]

7b

I don't believe I planted these beauties/buggers and am not 100% sure of their ID. Besides, who needs those pesky little plant identification markers in a garden, right? :?:D

The leaves are mid-range to deep green and pointed at the ends. The flowers (at 7 this morning) are of medium size, vibrant purple and trumpet shaped. There are what appear to be dried seed pods in many of the flowers that fall off easily. The seed pods look like solid black miniature hand grenades.

If I'm correct, I'll be doing some reading up on this plant, but appreciate any quick tips anyone can offer (like will they survive a mild 7b winter?).

Thanks!

[Newt]

Hi Elle,

Sorry I missed your post.* Though the plant looks like Mirabilis aka four o'clocks, the seed forms without a pod.* Scroll down here to 'Mirabilis' to see the seeds.
http://theseedsite.co.uk/db14.html

Is that what you have?

Newt

[ElleDoesIt]

Hi there Newt,

Thanks for the reply. I think you're right and I have Mirabilis jalapa. I was sure those were pods with something fun hidden inside, but understand now those are the actual seeds. I've actually planted one now to see what will happen.

The image was a little, well.. little. I found this public domain image at Wikipedia:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:S...lis_jalapa.JPG

Thanks again!

[Newt]

Elle, you are certainly correct about the size of the picture of the seeds, but what I really wanted you to see was the seed on the plant in the picture on the left.* Your picture put mine to shame.* :?* Glad you found a better one.* :)*

Newt