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Nicotiana sylvestris (Flowering tobacco)

Nicotiana sylvestris Photo/Illustration: Michelle Gervais


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Botanical Name: Nicotiana sylvestris nih-koe-shee-AY-nah sil-VES-tris Common Name: Flowering tobacco Genus: Nicotiana
This thick-stemmed annual or short-lived perennial reaches 5 to 6 feet tall, forming a large basal rosette of dark green leaves to 36 inches long. Lightly fragrant, long and tubular white flowers dangle in dense clusters from atop the tall stems. This plant starts blooming in late July or August. Flowers close in full sun.
 Noteworthy characteristics: Ideal for the mixed border or semi-wild garden. Foliage may irritate skin.
 Care: Blooms well in part shade. Grow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil. It may need staking. Provide a dry winter mulch where hardy.
 Propagation: From surface-sown seed in mid-spring.
 Problems: Mosaic, vein banding, etch, and ringspot viruses. Stem rot, stalk rot, downy mildew, damping off, root rot. Aphids, caterpillars, leaf miners, and spider mites.
Height 3 ft. to 6 ft.
Spread 1 ft. to 3 ft.
Light Full Sun to Part Shade
Moisture Medium Moisture
Characteristics Fragrant Flowers; Showy Foliage
Bloom Time Summer
Flower Color White Flower
Uses Beds and Borders
Seasonal Interest Summer Interest
Type Annuals

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