Overview
Nicotiana excelsior is a bushy annual biennial in the genus Nicotiana, part of the Solanaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Nicotiana excelsior grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H3. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden and patio and container plants.
About
Nicotiana excelsior is a bushy cultivar within the Nicotiana genus, which includes a variety of annuals, biennials, perennials, and shrubs. This herbaceous perennial features deciduous foliage and thrives in full sun or partial shade, favouring sheltered, east-, south-, or west-facing aspects. It grows best in fertile, well-drained soils such as chalk, loam, or sand with acid to neutral pH. Suitable for city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal gardens, as well as patios and containers, it flowers in spring and summer and is hardy to UK zone H3. Propagation is by surface-sown seed at 18°C in mid-spring.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Nicotiana
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H3
Plant details
Nicotiana excelsior size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Annual Biennial, Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Nicotiana excelsior
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed, surface sown at 18°C in mid spring
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to aphids, glasshouse whitefly and glasshouse leafhopper
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to grey moulds and to virus diseases
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Nicotiana excelsior?
Nicotiana excelsior prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Nicotiana excelsior need?
Nicotiana excelsior is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
Is Nicotiana excelsior hardy in the UK?
Nicotiana excelsior has an RHS hardiness rating of H3, meaning it is half-hardy, tolerating -5 to 1°C, and may need winter protection in colder areas.
How do I propagate Nicotiana excelsior?
Propagate by seed, surface sown at 18°C in mid spring.
