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.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
120 inches
Width
72 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
8, 9, 10
Water
Low
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
South America
Toxicity
Highly toxic if ingested
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
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.
More Nicotiana to compare

Flowering Tobacco
Nicotiana mutabilis

Crimson Bedder Tobacco
Nicotiana alata x sanderae 'Crimson Bedder'

Salta Blues Tree Tobacco
Nicotiana glauca 'Salta Blues'

Lime Green Flowering Tobacco
Nicotiana alata 'Lime Green'

Only the Lonely Tobacco
Nicotiana sylvestris 'Only the Lonely'

Deep Purple Flowering Tobacco
Nicotiana alata 'Deep Purple'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Tree Tobacco with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.

