Nicotiana

Flowering Tobacco
Solanaceae
Annuals, Perennials

From South America, most of these (except Nicotiana glauca) are grown as annuals, but they may live over in mild-winter areas. These are upright-growing plants with large, soft, oval leaves; both foliage and stems are slightly sticky. Flowers—very fragrant, in some species—are tubular, typically flaring at the mouth into five pointed lobes; they appear near tops of branching stems in summer. They usually open at night or on cloudy days, though some kinds open during the day. Some nicotianas reseed readily.

Nicotiana alata

Wild species (for which seed is available) grows 2 to 4 ft. tall (possibly to 6 ft. under ideal conditions), 1 ft. wide. Bears large, intensely fragrant white flowers that open toward evening. Selection and hybridization with other species have produced many garden strains that stay open day and night and come in colors including white, pink shades, red, and lime green, but their perfume is not as strong as that of the “unimproved” common species.

Nicotiana langsdorfii

To 5 ft. tall, 1 1/2 ft. wide. Branching stems are hung with drooping sprays of bell-shaped bright green flowers. Unusual blossom color blends well with blues, yellows in flower border. No noticeable scent.

Nicotiana sylvestris

To 5 ft. tall, 2 ft. wide. Intensely fragrant, long, tubular white flowers are borne in tiers atop a statuesque plant. Striking in a night garden.