Species

perennial

Salta Blues Tree Tobacco

The Story

Plant Bio

Nicotiana glauca, or Tree Tobacco, is a fast-growing, evergreen shrub or small tree with large, ovate, bluish-green leaves. It produces panicles of tubular, yellow flowers that are attractive to hummingbirds.

This species is extremely drought and heat tolerant, often naturalizing in arid and disturbed areas. All parts of the plant are highly toxic if ingested.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides fragrant, attractive flowers that enhance evening garden aesthetics.

Night-blooming habit attracts pollinators and adds scent to outdoor spaces.

Supports pollinator populations, especially nocturnal insects.

SpeciesNicotiana glaucaTree Tobacco

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

180 inches

Width

120 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low to average

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

South America

Toxicity

All parts are highly toxic

Bloom period

Mid-summer – Late summer

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring.
Keep soil consistently moist for best germination.
Place in full sun for vibrant blooms.
Thin seedlings to promote airflow and growth.
Water regularly during dry spells.
Deadhead spent flowers for prolonged blooming.

Pro Tip

Start seeds indoors 6 weeks before last frost for earlier blooms.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water deeply once a week 🌱
Deadhead to encourage more flowers 🌱
Provide full sun for optimal growth 🌱
Fertilize monthly with balanced fertilizer 🌱

Don't

Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
Don't place in low light areas ❌
Refrain from heavy pruning during flowering ❌
Skip fertilizing in late fall ❌

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Propagate
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Fragrant borderNight-scented gardenAttractive flower bed

Companion Plants

Lavender Salvia CoreopsisYarrow Echinacea

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Salta Blues Tree Tobacco questions

What zones can Salta Blues Tree Tobacco grow in?

Salta Blues Tree Tobacco is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Salta Blues Tree Tobacco deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Salta Blues Tree Tobacco, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Salta Blues Tree Tobacco bloom?

Salta Blues Tree Tobacco typically blooms in mid-summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Salta Blues Tree Tobacco need full sun?

Salta Blues Tree Tobacco does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Salta Blues Tree Tobacco drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Salta Blues Tree Tobacco handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.