About
A short-lived perennial often grown as an annual, with elliptic to lance-shaped green leaves. Slender stems bear loose clusters of small, heavily scented white flowers with long pink tubes, opening in the evenings from mid summer to early autumn.
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 moistureWell-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy, Columnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1 year
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens
Native toAustralia (NSW to Victoria)
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, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed. Surface sow seeds, do not exclude light
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, thrips, slugs, glasshouse whitefly and glasshouse leafhopper
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to grey moulds and to virus diseases