About
This branching biennial or short-lived perennial grown as a half hardy annual in colder climates. reaching 1.5m high, with a basal rosette of elliptic dark green leaves to 30cm in length, and a compact panicle of sweetly scented, salver-shaped white flowers to 9cm in length in summer.
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
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial, Bedding
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toBolivia to NW Argentina
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 as a half-hardy annual in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Can be overwintered outdoors in southern counties or London gardens where temperatures only occasionally fall to -5°C, resprouting from rootstocks the following spring. Provide a dry winter mulch
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, thrips, glasshouse whitefly and glasshouse leafhopper
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to grey moulds and to virus diseases