What does the five o'clocks by the chimney mean in Scarlet Ibis?

In "The Scarlet Ibis" by James Hurst, the "five o'clocks" by the chimney refer to a type of flower that blooms in the late afternoon. This imagery symbolizes the fragility and beauty of life, much like the character of Doodle, who is physically weak and delicate. The flowers' vibrant yet short-lived existence parallels Doodle's own brief life, highlighting themes of mortality and the inevitable passage of time in the story.