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Solanaceae
Jasmine Tobacco
Nicotiana alata
Night-fragrant allure and hidden depth.
- Family
- Solanaceae
- Genus
- Nicotiana
- Native to
- South America
- Bloom season
- Summer, Fall
- Type
- tender perennial grown as annual
- Height
- 60–150 cm
- Sunlight
- full sun to part shade
- Soil
- moist, fertile, well-drained
- Water
- medium
- Hardiness
- 10–11 (annual elsewhere)
- Lifespan
- short-lived perennial; grown as annual in most climates
Did you know
- The white-flowered species opens its blooms at dusk and releases an intoxicating jasmine-like scent to attract hawk moths.
- Modern cultivars in bright colors stay open all day but have largely lost the original night fragrance.
- It is closely related to commercial tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) but is grown purely for ornament.
- The sticky, hairy leaves can trap small insects, and some researchers consider it semi-carnivorous.
- In its native South American habitat, it is pollinated by hummingbirds during the day and hawk moths at night.
Color meanings
White
moonlit mystery
Green
unconventional beauty
Pink
sweet evening charm