Ornamental Tobacco

The Ornamental Tobacco (Nicotiana spp.) refers to several abundantly flowering plant species throughout the summer, easy to grow and adding a touch of whimsy to your borders. They have large, velvety and sticky ovate leaves, as well as beautiful star-shaped flowers grouped in loose clusters, sometimes fragrant. Be careful, the leaves are toxic! Also known as Nicotiana affinis or alata, these frost-tender perennials are grown as annuals in rich, deep, well-drained soil with the addition of compost at planting and in partially shaded locations. For background planting, prefer the varieties Nicotiana sylvestris, a giant Tobacco reaching up to 1.50m (5ft) in height with highly fragrant white flowers.