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BeddingHerbaceous PerennialSynonym

Nicotiana alata grandiflora
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

sweet-scented tobacco plant

A short-lived perennial to a height of 1.5m, with spoon-shaped dark green leaves, large at the base, becoming smaller higher up. Throughout summer and into autumn, tubular creamy-white flowers with funnel-shaped mouths appear and are highly scented at night

Other common names
tuberose-flowered tobacco plant
Synonyms
Nicotiana alata grandiflora
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Cream White Green
Autumn Cream White Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H3
Botanical details
Family
Solanaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright
Potentially harmful
Harmful if eaten, avoid skin contact. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
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

Name status

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade

Propagation

Propagate by seed. Surface sow seeds, do not exclude light. Germinate at 18°C (64°F)

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Bedding
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids, glasshouse leafhoppers and glasshouse whitefly

Diseases

May be susceptible to grey moulds and to virus diseases

Get involved

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