Not all species of tobacco are banished. Some are even decorative. At least one is scented. "The cool air. The scent of growing things. That is a tobacco plant which you can smell, sir," P. G. Wodehouse observed in Joy in the Morning (1947). Yes, the original white blooming Nicotiana alta from South America is scented when it bloomed at night. Unfortunately, plant breeders have intervened and created more vivid coloured, day-blooming selections lacking scent.
In the old-fashioned garden it might have been described as Jasmine Tobacco, Persian Tobacco, Sweet Tobacco, Tanbaku, even Winged Tobacco or, simply and accurately, as Flowering Tobacco. Nicotiana alata is widespread in South America from southern Brazil, northern Argentina and into Paraguay and Uruguay. Several close relatives extend this range still further, even up into the Andes.
In Northern gardens, it will flower in sun or light shade from June through until frost, given moderately good soil and moisture. It is tall, too – a metre to almost two in height (three to six feet) so best at the middle or back of the flowerbed. Deadhead regularly to encourage repeat blooms. Flowering Tobacco might also make an interesting and scented centre planting for patio, deck or balcony containers.
So, what is the catch? First, it is rarely available at garden centres, so must be raised at home from seed. Sow six to eight weeks before the last frost, mixing the tiny seeds with fine cage bird sand to make spreading easier.
Secondly, unlike the coloured hybrids, N. alata flowers late in the day through the night. The delicious odour will only be experienced at that time by gardeners and some of the most spectacular pollinating moths.
Lastly, while it is unlikely and sensible gardener would try it, in the words of one authority, "If you smoke this you will likely die."
Wes Porter is a horticultural consultant and writer based in Toronto. Wes has over 40 years of experience in both temperate and tropical horticulture from three continents.
