Description
Nicotiana paniculata | Small-flowered Tobacco
There are over 65 species of Tobacco that hail from Australia, North America, and tropical South America. They are attractive plants with beautiful flowers and appealing foliage. All of them have tubular or trumpet-shaped flowers that come in nearly every color and most often open during the evening and and nighttime hours, sometimes releasing a pleasant fragrance. They can be used as specimen or bedding plants, in borders, woodland gardens, in containers, or for planting in masses or even as a focal point.
Small-flowered Tobacco is an ornamental, annual flowering tobacco plant with a tall, upright form with big blue-green leaves on wiry stems. Come summer, this statuesque plant bursts into bloom with airy sprays of green tubular flowers, creating a haze of color and texture. The stems are sticky to the touch and attract many insects. Or sow indoors, or outdoors. Grows best in full sun in average, rich, well-drained soil, but will tolerate light shade too. Self sows moderately.
Attracts butterflies, hawk-moths, and hummingbirds. Deer and rabbits won’t touch it.
Type: Annual
Sun exposure: Full sun
Mature height: 4-6 ft
Mature width: 1.5-2.5 ft
Hardiness zones: 10-11
Please note: All tobaccos should be considered poisonous to consume (smoking brings its own risks); some are extremely poisonous and have caused fatalities. Poisoning through intentional or accidental misuse of nicotine and products containing it is a relatively common occurrence. Related species may contain other toxic alkaloids, chemically similar to nicotine, so it is for this reason we suggest that you enjoy Nicotiana paniculata and other ornamental species of tobacco for their flowers only. Do NOT smoke these leaves.