Suz

I have several "four c'clock" plants in my yard. The former owner allowed too many of them to get established. I have dug up several and have found rizomes bigger than a sweet potato. Several of these plants are tight against the house, the concrete paver holding the propane tank, one is behing this paver, etc, etc. I have cut back hard and used 100% vinegar, even a dose of chlorox. All this to ask for a "killer" that is natural, non-toxic.

Any ideas? Thanks.

Prism99

This thread might be useful, especially the last post:
http://forums.gardenweb.com/discussi...f-four-oclocks

Endora

Boiling water is what I use a lot. Yes, it kills all that it comes in contact with, but it works (100%).

DO NOT apply the water around any trees or shrubs and things, but by the sounds of it the plants that you are after have established themselves in an area where nothing else is present.

Suz

Thanks for the two replies. I read the article on what others have tried successfully and have pretty much kept a close eye on new shoots. Owing to their location, I plan to use the boiling water treatment. Wish me luck. Thanks again.

Barb in Louisiana

Are your 4 o'clocks the red and white ones? If so, I dearly want some seeds to get a start myself. My grandmother had those by her backdoor. They bring back such lovely memories for me. If I were near you, I would come dig the tubers up and take care of them for you. I have only been able to find yellow ones for years and she didn't have any of those. Just the red and white.

Jingle

I got rid of ivy and wild violets by digging the tubers up and pulling them out every time I saw any. Hot vinegar should work too.

JustAbitCrazy

Salt will kill plants, too.

Endora

Salt and vinegar works excellent, too.

What I love about using boiling water, is if there's any of the plant sticking out of the ground, the roots, bulbs, everything is done, and it's instant. No waiting.

Suz. Use a full kettle or larger pot when applying. Soak the area good around whatever it is that you're looking to kill.

joyce blint

I wish I had your problem, my great aunt used to have them and I just loved them! Hers were mixed pastels.

lindaschipper

My late husband dearly loved "four o"clocks" and we planted them near the back door. Ours were white, yellow, pink, and a magenta.....with only a few red and white strip. Hadn't thought about them in a while.....love the memories!