perennial

Tree Tobacco

Nicotiana glauca

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

120 inches

Width

72 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9

Water

Low

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

South America

Toxicity

Highly toxic if ingested

The Story

Plant Bio

Nicotiana glauca, commonly known as tree tobacco, is a tall, woody shrub with aromatic, ovate leaves and trumpet-shaped yellow flowers that bloom in clusters, attracting pollinators with their sweet scent. This cultivar is notable for its drought tolerance and its striking, bright yellow flowers that contrast vividly against its silvery-gray foliage, making it an attractive choice for xeriscaping.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Provides fragrant, night-blooming flowers that attract insects and add aromatic appeal to gardens.

Drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, suitable for xeriscaping and low-water landscapes.

Supports pollinators like moths and insects, enhancing garden biodiversity.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring.
Maintain soil moisture consistently for healthy germination.
Place in a location with full sun for optimal growth.
Thin seedlings to 12 inches apart after emergence.
Water regularly during dry spells, about once a week.
Prune lightly after flowering to encourage bushiness.

Pro Tip

Start seeds indoors 6 weeks before last frost for best results.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly, especially in dry weather 🌱
Prune back after flowering to promote new growth
Use well-draining soil for healthy roots

Don't

Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
Don’t fertilize with high nitrogen fertilizers
Keep away from heavy clay soils if poorly drained

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Aromatic borderNight-scented gardenInsect-attracting hedge

Companion Plants

Lavender Salvia Coreopsis Yarrow Echinacea

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Tree Tobacco questions

What zones can Tree Tobacco grow in?

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 Tree Tobacco deer resistant?

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

When does Tree Tobacco bloom?

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 Tree Tobacco need full sun?

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

Is Tree Tobacco drought tolerant?

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