About
A half-hardy perennial often grown as an annual, with sticky stems and slightly grey-green, heart-shaped leaves with wavy edges. In summer, tall stems to around 75cm high bear loose spikes of bell-shaped flowers, pale peachy pink on the outside and yellow in the centre.
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, Clay, 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 typeAnnual Biennial, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1 year
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens
Native toBolivia, Peru, Galapagos
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, 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, thrips, glasshouse whitefly and glasshouse leafhopper
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to grey moulds and to virus diseases