Discover why these elegant, scented flowers are perfect for borders, containers and evening gardens.
Nicotiana isn’t a plant that necessarily steals the show at any garden centre. It doesn’t have the huge blooms of dahlias or the instant impact of bedding plants. In fact, some people might walk past it without giving it much thought.
That’s a mistake!
Once established in the garden, Nicotiana earns its keep. It flowers for months, fills gaps in borders with ease and, in the case of many varieties, produces a scent that’s strongest in the evening. On a warm summer night, you’ll often smell it before you notice the flowers themselves.
What is Nicotiana?
Nicotiana belongs to the tobacco family, although the varieties grown in gardens are cultivated for their flowers rather than for tobacco production.
Most gardeners grow it as an annual, planting it out in late spring and enjoying flowers from early summer until the first frosts. Depending on the variety, plants can range from compact bedding types to statuesque specimens that reach well over a metre tall.
The flowers are typically trumpet-shaped and appear in shades of white, pink, lime green, burgundy and red.
Why seasoned gardeners keep coming back to Nicotiana
Ask experienced gardeners why they grow Nicotiana and you’ll rarely hear them talk about colour first.
Instead, they’ll mention its scent.
Many varieties become noticeably fragrant as the day cools, making them particularly good near patios, pathways and seating areas. Nicotiana sylvestris, with its tall stems and hanging white flowers, is especially well known for this.
It’s also useful from a design perspective. The tall, airy growth helps soften crowded borders and can add height without creating a heavy block of foliage.
We have some at Hildreth’s right now – so come and take a look.
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