Nicotiana glauca
Tree tobacco, Mustard tree
- Height × spread
- 1m × 0.7m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Frost free greenhouse 1C & above (RHS H2)
- Flowers
- Summer, Autumn
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This is a rather curious looking shrub with willowy stems. The glaucous blue green leaves, often 30cm (12in) long and of variable shape are generally oblong. The flowers which appear in late summer or early autumn, are held on long stems in pendulous clusters. These take the form of long slim creamy yellow tubes, coming from green calyxes. The flowers have slightly flared lips and the green interior of their long throats are clearly visible. In Britain and Ireland the shrub only makes around 1m (3ft) in height and spread but it reaches 6m (20ft) in Bolivia and Argentina. Give it a sheltered position in full sun in rich soil that is well drained.
- Flower colour
- Yellow
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes, fragrant
- Shape
- Column
- Height
- 1m
- Spread
- 0.7m
- Season of interest
- Summer, Autumn
- Flowers in
- Summer, Autumn
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Scented garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, tolerates part shade
- Soil type
- Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil, Drought resistant
- Hardiness
- Frost free greenhouse 1C & above (RHS H2)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Structural
- Hazards
- Yes, potentially harmful; Humans: Harmful if eaten; skin irritant
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with slow release fertiliser
Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.
Spring - early · Planting
Prune hard to the base
Prune back to within 30cm to 45cm of the plant base so that the year's growth will begin from this low framework. If you want the plant to grow larger, this need only be done every few years.
Summer
Summer-Autumn · Planting
Support tall stems
The plant may require support for long stems. Provide an artificial frame which it can grow through, or loosely tie the whole plant. A network of twigs can be woven together to provide a framework through which the plant can grow.
Tall stems can lean or be battered by weather. Support the plant to keep its vertical lines, aiming for a natural appearance which is easy on the eye.
Planting & general
Outdoor planting · Planting
Add root growth stimulant to the planting hole
Mycorrhizal fungi helps roots establish quickly, so they absorb water and nutrients more efficiently. It comes as a powder, granule or gel. Add to the planting hole or container, and to the plant's rootball before planting in the hole. For "bareroot" plants use a gel.
Compost · Planting
Multi-purpose compost
Use a good quality peat-free multi-purpose compost when growing in pots and containers.