Nicotiana alata
Best evening-scented choice for gardeners seeking low-maintenance, fragrant summer blooms.
Nicotiana alata, commonly known as Jasmine Tobacco, is celebrated for its tall, graceful stems bearing pale, nodding flowers with starry faces. This tropical genus member emits a soft, sweet perfume that peaks at dusk, attracting pollinators and delighting gardeners. Bloom time spans from July into the fall, especially when situated in a protected spot. These vigorous plants reach 3 to 4 feet tall, standing up well to rough weather without needing staking. They are adaptable, thriving in full sun or partial shade, and are not fussy about soil, preferring well-drained earth enriched with organic matter. This variety is perennial in Zone 10.
$12.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
1779
/ 2710
#1779 in Plants
Price vs Category Average
-73%
Below average
SKU
76795
/ S
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking fragrant evening outdoor living spaces
- Landscape designers needing long-blooming vertical garden interest
- Conservationists aiming to support local nocturnal pollinator populations
Who should skip it
- Low-maintenance gardeners wanting to avoid aggressive self-seeding
- People sensitive to sticky plant residue and debris
- Families with curious young children or roaming pets
Performance breakdown
Fragrance potency
Evening blooms release a captivating, sweet perfume that dominates the garden.
Structural integrity
Sturdy stems hold their own against wind without needing extra support.
Adaptability
Thrives across varying light conditions and soil types with minimal fuss.
Pollinator appeal
Luminous evening flowers act as a beacon for nocturnal garden visitors.
Growth vigor
Rapidly reaches impressive heights throughout the summer and into autumn.
Maintenance ease
Low-effort plant that rewards gardeners with consistent, self-sowing seasonal color.
Key Specs
SKU
S76795
Ships as
1 PINT 28.86 CU IN.
Mature Height
36-40 inches
Spacing
15-18 inches
Hardiness Zone
Annual (Perennial in Zone 10)
Material
Plant material
Features
- Produces a soft, sweet perfume that peaks at dusk.
- Flowers are pale and luminous, often opening in the evening.
- Stands up to rough weather without requiring staking.
- Adaptable to both full sun and partial shade conditions.
- Not fussy about soil type, preferring well-drained conditions.
- Can self-sow in subsequent years according to user reports.
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality and reliability of the Nicotiana alata plants received from White Flower Farm. Reviewers frequently note the robust health and size of the starter plants, leading to reliable establishment and vigorous flowering. The primary delight centers on the plant's performance, which often exceeds expectations, providing beautiful, fragrant blooms throughout the season. While the price point is higher, consumers feel the superior quality and reliability justify the investment, making this a trusted choice for garden enthusiasts seeking guaranteed success.
Know before you buy
No, this variety is quite vigorous and sturdy. Its stems are strong enough to stand up to rough weather on their own, so you do not need to worry about providing extra support.
The fragrance is most potent at dusk and throughout the evening. This makes it an ideal plant for seating areas or patios where you spend time during the late afternoon and night.
Yes, Nicotiana alata is quite adaptable. It performs well in both full sun and partial shade, making it a versatile choice for different spots in your landscape.
It depends on your climate. Nicotiana alata is only hardy as a perennial in Zone 10; in all other zones, it is treated as an annual. However, it may self-sow, potentially returning the following year.
These plants are not particularly fussy, but they do best in well-drained soil. For the best results, amend your planting area with organic matter to improve soil structure and nutrient content.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$12