Nicotiana langsdorffii

Nicotiana langsdorffii is a species of ornamental tobacco with astonishing lime green trumpet-shaped flowers that delicately cascade in loose clusters.

Nicotiana, or ornamental tobacco, is a member of the Solanaceae family and originates from tropical and subtropical regions of South and Central America. Highly floriferous, it blooms throughout the growing season until the first frost. Ornamental tobacco deserves to be known for the uniqueness of its often highly fragrant flowers and the touch of exoticism it brings. Most tobacco species produce flowers that open in the late afternoon to release their jasmine-like fragrance throughout the night and close again in the morning with the appearance of the sun. These plants are referred to as vespertine. Some hybridizations now offer daytime opening flowers in a variety of colours.

Nicotiana plants display their inflorescences in loose racemose cymes. The long calyx, composed of 5 fused sepals, encloses the base of the corolla and collects tiny seeds at the end of the flowering season. This corolla, made up of 5 fused and elongated tubular petals, abruptly widens into five more or less notched lobes resembling a star, and releases 5 long stamens. As for the leaves, they are often covered with a short glandular fuzz that makes them sticky and tacky.

The astonishing Nicotiana langsdorffii, originating from Brazil, blooms throughout the summer from July to October, displaying an abundance of long lime green trumpet-shaped flowers that delicately cascade. The flower is slightly notched and the petals, remaining fused, do not form lobes. This variety is very unique and easy to grow. The plant reaches one metre in height, sometimes even 1.50 metres (5 feet).

Nicotiana plants thrive in full sun or light shade, in consistently moist but well-drained soil, and sheltered from strong winds. They will look magnificent in mixed borders, along the edges of flower beds, or in large containers on a patio. They are particularly stunning when accompanied by Cosmos bipinnatus, Eryngium giganteum, Cléome 'Colour Fountain', or Salvia horminum, creating a symphony of colours and textures.

Did you know that the pollination method of Nicotiana plants is directly influenced by the nicotine content in their flowers? Indeed, research has shown that varieties with low nicotine levels require bees, butterflies, etc. for pollination. The fragrance of the flowers is intended to attract them. However, varieties with very high nicotine levels can be lethal to insects. They have therefore developed a self-pollination mechanism. How else could they reproduce if the work of pollinators is compromised?

Attention, seeds reserved for highly experienced gardeners who are accustomed to sowing very fine seeds. These seeds are as fine as dust and barely visible to the naked eye.