Overview
Nicotiana langsdorffii 'Hot Chocolate' is a bushy annual biennial in the genus Nicotiana, part of the Solanaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Nicotiana langsdorffii 'Hot Chocolate' grows best in full sun to partial shade, and tolerates most soils and 5.8 and 6.2 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 langsdorffii 'Hot Chocolate' is a bushy cultivar of the Nicotiana genus, which includes a variety of annuals, biennials, perennials, and shrubs known for their simple, alternate leaves and tubular or salver-shaped flowers. This deciduous plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers fertile, well-drained soil with a pH between 5.8 and 6.2. Suitable for sheltered spots with south, east, or west-facing aspects, it is ideal for city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal gardens, as well as patios and containers. It flowers in spring and summer and can be propagated by surface-sowing seeds in mid-spring at 18°C.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Nicotiana
- Sunlight
- Full sun to partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- 5.8 and 6.2
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South, East, or West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H3
Plant details
Nicotiana langsdorffii 'Hot Chocolate' 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 langsdorffii 'Hot Chocolate'
- 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 langsdorffii 'Hot Chocolate'?
Nicotiana langsdorffii 'Hot Chocolate' prefers full sun to partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Nicotiana langsdorffii 'Hot Chocolate' need?
Nicotiana langsdorffii 'Hot Chocolate' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It prefers 5.8 and 6.2 soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
Is Nicotiana langsdorffii 'Hot Chocolate' hardy in the UK?
Nicotiana langsdorffii 'Hot Chocolate' 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 langsdorffii 'Hot Chocolate'?
Propagate by seed, surface sown at 18°C in mid spring.