This is the first season I’ve grown white Cuban buttercup, Turnera trioniflora. I planted it in a large container on my back deck as the spiller portion of the thriller, filler, and spiller planting technique.
Flowers that open and close
I love how white Cuban buttercup opens early in the morning as soon as the sun hits it. It closes up shop around Noon or so. Of course, if we have a cloudy day, it stays open longer. Flowers that only open for part of the day add a little mystery to things, and I find I look for their presence in the garden more. Mirabilis jalapa, four o’clocks, Portulaca grandiflora, rose moss, Ipomoea alba, moonflower, and Ipomoea purpurea, morning glories, are other flowers that quickly come to mind with specific opening and closing times. I wrote about morning glories in ten more easy flowers to grow in Oklahoma. Four o’clocks were featured in summer flowers for summer heat.
A tropical temptation
White Cuban buttercup, Turnera trioniflora, is tropical and won’t overwinter in Oklahoma’s Zone 6a through 8b climate. I’m sure you could take cuttings, and it may form seed, but, if so, I haven’t seen it so far this year. Mine is a trailing variety that looks great at the front of a pot or a flowerbed.
Sometimes, simple flowers are better
White Cuban buttercup is a simple flower to grow. I bought mine at Bustani Plant Farm. Remember, tropical plants are a summer garden’s best friend.
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What a cute little bloom, never heard of it. Instead of mysterious, I get annoyed when my flowers close up early. Haha
Robin, that made me laugh. So funny!
I would have some more 4oclocks if I had more sun. The last time I tried to grow them they wouldn’t open. ha… That little buttercup is darling. So very flashy with that yellow throat with the deeper color at the bottom.
Have a great weekend.
Yeah, they really like full sun to look their best. Shade tells them to stay closed. That certainly won’t work.
Several of our gardeners in Austin have grown this here with success. I must look out off it next year as both flower and foliage look very attractive.
Jenny, it’s a pretty easy flower to grow. I like it a lot.
What a pretty little buttercup! Will have to look for that one next year…I’ve not been to Bustani’s Nursery yet and hopefully next spring I can find some new plants to try! My 4 o’clocks are in full sun and during this past month they wilt in the afternoon. 🙁 Love the salmon color you have, it’s just beautiful!
HI Sonia, my four o’clocks also wilt every afternoon. I think it’s their way of conserving moisture, and it doesn’t seem to hurt them any. They are fresh again as soon as the sun starts to relent. Salmon Sunset is just so pretty because it has a pink center. I think that makes it. Thank you so much for reading! ~~Dee
What a sweet blossom and the leaves are pretty, too. The flower sorta reminds me of an okra blossom. That salmon version of 4 o’clocks is really gorgeous. Mine, which have self sown for four years, all seem to be some variation/combo of hot pink and white. Do you have a seed source for them?
Hi Ginny, I think you’re right. It is kind of like an okra blossom, but a little less deep. I also love that little ring around the center. I got my Salmon Sunset four o’clock seeds from Bakers Creek Heirloom Seeds. Here’s the link: https://www.rareseeds.com/store/flowers/four-oclocks/salmon-sunset-marvel-of-peru#:~:text=True%20salmon%2Dcolored%20trumpets%20with,sophisticated%20addition%20to%20the%20garden.
Thank you, Dee!
Thanks Dee!