Nicotiana

Annuals, biennials, perennials and shrubs with narrow, lance-shaped or broadly oval mid-green leaves, often sticky with glandular hairs. Long, tubular flowers, which open into a broad star, are borne in clusters in shades of white, pink, purple, red, yellow and green from summer into autumn. Many only open in the evening and at night, releasing a distinctive incense-like fragrance.

A sunny position in any fertile, moist but well-drained soil. Nicotiana sylvestris, the woodland tobacco plant, prefers partial or dappled shade.

Very wet and very dry soils, which can hinder growth, and deep shade where flowering will be poor. Tall varieties can be damaged by strong winds so plant in a sheltered spot or stake to provide support.

Although usually treated as annuals, Nicotiana alata and N. sylvestris are actually short-lived perennials and can be overwintered outdoors in milder areas given a thick, dry mulch.