Nicotiana langsdorffii ‘Variegata’
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FLOWERING TOBACCO
Family: Solanaceae
GROWING GUIDE
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Geographic Origin:
Garden.
Plant Group:
Short-lived perennial, treated as an annual in the Pacific Northwest.
Hardiness:
Sunset zones: All.
Annual in colder zones.
USDA zones: 10-11.
Mature size:
Height: 5 feet (1.5 m).
Width: 2 feet (60 cm).
Flowering period:
Summer.
Flowering attributes:
Chartreuse, tubular, bell-shaped flowers with blue pollen.
Leaf attributes:
Sticky, hairy, dark green leaves with splashes of cream.
Growth habit:
Clump forming.
Light:
Full sun to partial shade.
Soil:
Fertile, moist, well-drained soil.
Feeding:
Add a complete organic fertilizer when planting.
Pruning:
Deadhead spent flowers to keep the plant producing more.
Pests and Diseases:
Susceptible to mosaic virus. Aphids may be a problem although no problems appear with mine.
Rainy Side Notes
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The species Nicotiana langsdorffii is a fascinating annual from South America. This cultivar, ‘Variegata’, selected for its variegated leaves, is disappointing; however, the tubular chartreuse flowers make up for it. Allan Armitage put it succinctly, “I have not seen this plant, and I am not sure I want to.” Allan may be right; it may disappoint you as it has me. Grow the species and leave the variegation for other plants, such as the stunning Brunnera ‘Jack Frost’. Now that’s variegation!
If you are looking for scented flowers, you will be disappointed with N. langsdorffii; choose such fragrant species as N. alata or N. sylvestris. Grow langsdorffii for its handsome chartreuse flowers.
All parts of the plant are poisonous.
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Debra Teachout-Teashon
Photographed in author's garden.
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