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Annual BiennialHerbaceous Perennial

Nicotiana alata
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

jasmine tobacco

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

Other common names
sweet tobacco
flowering tobacco
Synonyms
Nicotiana affinis
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
1–2 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 Green Yellow Green
Autumn Green Yellow Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

West–facing or South–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H3
Botanical details
Family
Solanaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright
Potentially harmful
Harmful 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
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

Correct

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, thrips, glasshouse whitefly and glasshouse leafhopper

Diseases

May be susceptible to grey moulds and to virus diseases

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