About
A tender annual or short-lived perennial, to around 45cm high, with a branching habit and lance-shaped green leaves. Open clusters of scented, deep purple flowers, with long tubes and flaring petals to 4cm across, are produced 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 typeLoam
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1 year
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
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, moist but well-drained, slightly acidic soil in full sun or part shade
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed, surface sown at 18°C in mid spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, thrips, glasshouse whitefly and glasshouse leafhopper
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to grey moulds and to virus diseases