Sweet Tobacco Nicotiana alata

Jasmine tobacco is an annual or a tender herbacous perennial in the Solanaceae (nighthade) family native to South America. 

Plant it in the full sun to partial shade in moist, well-drained soil that is high in organic material.  It has a low tolerance for drought conditions, so be sure the soil remains moist.  While it withstands full sun the plants appreciate some afternoon shade, especially in hot southern climates.  This plant needs 12-14 inches of space when planted and will grow to reach 3 to 5 feet in height.  It can be propagated easily through seed which can be direct sown in the garden or started indoors.  

The showy fragrant tubular flowers open only at night and are reminiscent of Petunia x hybrida or Calibrachoa x hybrida. But Nicotiana alata has smaller flowers, more distinct points to petals, much larger leaves, and the plant grows taller than Petunia x hybrida or Calibrachoa x hybrida.  It can be challenging to find the true species of this plant except by seed.  Many flowering tobaccos sold in the nursery are compact hybrids like N. alata x N. forgetinana or Nicotiana x sanderae.  These shorter plants, reaching a maximum height of 2 feet have flowers that are unscented and open during the day.  

The intoxicating fragrance from its showy flowers attracts nighttime pollinators like moths making it an excellent addition to a moonlit garden. Plant it as a filler in a container, in rock gardens, near a patio, or mass plant it in borders.  

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  No serious pests.  Do not plant near vegetable gardens that have other night shade plants (tomoates, potatoes, peppers) as they can share and spread viruses like tobacco mosaic virus.