About
A short-lived perennial to a height of 1.5m, with spoon-shaped dark green leaves, large at the base, becoming smaller higher up. Throughout summer and into autumn, tubular creamy-white flowers with funnel-shaped mouths appear and are highly scented at night.
About the genus
Nicotiana can be annuals, biennials, perennials or shrubs, with simple, alternate leaves and tubular or salver-shaped, often fragrant flowers borne in racemes or panicles in summer or autumn
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeBedding, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
FragranceFlower
ToxicityHarmful if eaten, avoid skin contact. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets (dogs): Harmful if eaten, avoid skin contact. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed. Surface sow seeds, do not exclude light. Germinate at 18°C (64°F)
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, glasshouse leafhoppers and glasshouse whitefly
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to grey moulds and to virus diseases