Nicotiana alata aka Persian Tobacco

Nicotiana alata is a flowering plant in the nightshade family. Its common names include jasmine tobacco and sweet tobacco. It comes from South America, including southern Brazil and Paraguay. Its range also covers northeast Argentina and Uruguay. This tender perennial has a short life. Gardeners also grow it as an annual where winters are cold. It grows upright from a thick rootstock.

Garden plants reach about 3–5 feet (0.9–1.5 metres) tall. They spread about 1–2 feet (0.3–0.6 metres) wide. RHS gives a slightly smaller upper spread of 1.6 feet (0.5 metres). Large, dark green leaves form a rosette near the ground. Their shape is broad and spoon-like. Leaves become smaller farther up the plant. The green stems bear hairs, and the plant sheds its leaves. Seed pods hold seeds so small they are hard to see.

Flowers appear from early summer until the first frost. Long tubes end in mouths shaped like five-pointed stars. The flowers hang down from their stems. RHS describes their colour as greenish yellow. Other species accounts also list white, red and pink. Flowers open at night and give off a strong scent. Each flower lasts just one night. Moths visit them after dark, and bees also pollinate them. The plant also draws butterflies and birds to gardens.

Grow it in fertile soil that stays moist but drains well. It accepts full sun or partial shade. Afternoon shade helps in hot climates, since it tolerates drought poorly. RHS lists acid, neutral and alkaline soils as suitable. It gives the plant a UK hardiness rating of H3. Missouri Botanical Garden lists USDA zones 10–11. Plants may return from their rootstock in mild winter areas. Start new plants from seed, leaving the seeds exposed to light. RHS gives a germination temperature of 18°C. No pruning is needed.

Use it in borders, containers, rock gardens or bedding schemes. Planting near a patio puts its night scent within reach. Care needs are low, but pests and disease can occur. Watch for aphids, thrips, whiteflies, leafhoppers and beetles. Grey mould and tobacco mosaic virus can also affect it. Keep it away from related vegetables that can share viruses. All parts are poisonous, and nicotine is a toxic compound. RHS warns of harm to people and dogs. Avoid eating it or allowing bare skin contact. No food or medicinal uses are known. Nicotine extracted from the plant has served as an insecticide.