Flowering Tobacco Nicotiana mutabilis
ABOUT
The plant in question, commonly known as the flowering tobacco, is notable for its aesthetic appeal and unique blooming characteristics. It bears an attractive array of star-shaped flowers that are known to change color as they mature. The blossoms typically transition from white to pink and eventually to a rich rose shade, giving the plant a multicolored and dynamic appearance. The leaves of the flowering tobacco are large, and their texture can be described as both lush and somewhat coarse to the touch. The overall form of the flowering tobacco is bushy, creating a full and rounded appearance that contributes to its ornamental value. Its flowers grow in clusters atop stems that rise above the foliage, providing a delightful contrast between the green leaves and the variably colored blossoms. This plant is often appreciated not only for its visual charm but also for its ability to attract pollinators such as hummingbirds and butterflies, which are drawn to its trumpet-like flowers and sweet nectar.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Solanaceae
Synonyms
Flowering Tobacco, Changeable Tobacco
Common names
Nicotiana mutabilis.
ToxicityTo humans
Flowering Tobacco is toxic to humans. The toxicity is primarily due to the presence of alkaloids such as nicotine. If ingested, the symptoms of poisoning can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, salivation, headache, dizziness, and in severe cases, it can lead to tremors, convulsions, or even death due to respiratory failure. The toxicity depends on the amount consumed, and all parts of the plant are considered poisonous.
To pets
Flowering Tobacco is also toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. The principal toxic compound is nicotine, which can affect the nervous system of pets. Symptoms of Flowering Tobacco poisoning in pets may include vomiting, excessive drooling, diarrhea, rapid heart rate, weakness, depression, tremors, seizures, and even death if a significant amount is ingested. All parts of the plant are toxic, and pets showing any of these symptoms should be taken to a veterinarian immediately.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
4 feet (1.2 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.6 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
10
Native area
Brazil
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic appeal: Nicotiana mutabilis, commonly known as Flowering Tobacco, offers a beautiful display of flowers that transition from white to pink to deep rose, adding vibrant color to gardens.
- Attracts pollinators: The plant is appealing to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, helping to support local ecosystems by promoting pollination.
- Night fragrance: Flowering Tobacco releases a pleasant scent in the evening and nighttime, making it a perfect choice for night gardens or close to living areas where the fragrance can be enjoyed after sunset.
- Low maintenance: This plant is known for being relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal maintenance, which is ideal for both novice and experienced gardeners.
- Adaptability: It can thrive in a range of soil types, as long as the soil is well-drained, making it versatile for various garden conditions.
- Continuous blooming: Flowering Tobacco has a long blooming season, often from early summer until the first frost, providing color and interest throughout much of the year.
- Drought-tolerance: Once established, Nicotiana mutabilis can tolerate periods of drought, making it suitable for water-efficient landscapes.
- Height variation: It can add structure to garden designs due to its varying heights, which allows for incorporation in both foreground and background plantings.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Nicotiana mutabilis, commonly known as the Flowering Tobacco, is often used as a trap plant for pests, diverting them from more valuable crops in a garden or agricultural setting.
- Due to its rapid growth and abundant flowering, Flowering Tobacco is used in landscaping as a fast-filling plant, providing aesthetically pleasing greenery and flowers during the growing season.
- This plant can be used in companion planting, with the belief that its scent and presence may help deter certain insect pests from neighboring plants.
- Flowering Tobacco's nectar-rich flowers make it an excellent choice for attracting pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds to the garden.
- Creative gardeners sometimes use the seed pods of Flowering Tobacco in dried floral arrangements, adding a touch of natural beauty indoors.
- The plant's stature and height can provide a natural, “living” screen or temporary hedge in the garden, offering some privacy during the summer months.
- Flowering Tobacco can serve as a subject for botanical studies and educational purposes, teaching about plant growth, reproduction, and the role of pollinators.
- Amateur plant breeders may use Nicotiana mutabilis for hybridization projects due to its distinctive flowers and genetic properties.
- Some cultures may use the flowers of Flowering Tobacco in personal adornment, such as creating natural, decorative garlands or for inclusion in floral headpieces.
- The plant's lush green foliage can be used as a green mulch, which can be composted after the growing season to return nutrients back to the soil.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Flowering Tobacco is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Flowering Tobacco is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Change and Evolution: The species name 'mutabilis' literally means 'changeable' in Latin, symbolizing adaptability and the constant flux of life.
- Allurement: Nicotiana, often known as Flowering Tobacco, has a strong fragrance that attracts nocturnal pollinators, embodying attraction and magnetism.
- Caution: As a relative of tobacco plants, Flowering Tobacco represents a warning of potential danger or harm, in keeping with the toxic properties of some Nicotiana species when ingested.
- Healing and Medication: The Flowering Tobacco plant shares a lineage with plants historically used for medicinal purposes, embodying healing despite its toxic properties when used correctly.
WaterThe flowering tobacco should be watered regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, water deeply once a week with about one gallon of water per plant, adjusting for rainfall. In hot, dry periods, you may need to water twice a week. Reduce watering in the winter when the plant is not actively growing. Always check the top inch of soil for dryness before watering to avoid overwatering.
LightFlowering tobacco thrives in full sun to partial shade. The ideal location is where the plant receives at least six hours of direct sunlight a day. However, in very hot climates, providing some afternoon shade will help protect the plant from excessive heat.
TemperatureFlowering tobacco prefers a temperature range between 60°F and 75°F. It can survive minimum temperatures down to 40°F, but frost can be damaging. It is important to place the plant where it will not be exposed to temperatures above 90°F for extended periods, as extreme heat can cause stress to the plant.
PruningPruning flowering tobacco is important to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Pinch back the tips of the stems when the plant is young and after the initial flowering to promote a second flush of flowers. Pruning is best done in the late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFlowering Tobacco prefers well-draining soil with rich organic matter, a pH of 6.0-7.0, mix loam, peat, and perlite in equal parts.
RepottingRepot Flowering Tobacco annually or when it outgrows its pot to prevent crowding and refresh the soil.
Humidity & MistingFlowering Tobacco thrives in moderate to high humidity levels, around 40-60% is ideal for healthy growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright indirect light and ample humidity for indoor Flowering Tobacco.
Outdoor
Place Flowering Tobacco in partial shade to full sun and shelter from wind.
Hardiness zone
10-11 USDA
Life cycleFlowering Tobacco (Nicotiana mutabilis) begins its cycle from seeds, typically germinating in warm, moist soil in spring. Once the seedlings emerge and establish a set of true leaves, they transition into the vegetative growth stage where they develop stems, leaves, and root systems. As they mature, Flowering Tobacco plants enter the flowering stage, producing tall spikes adorned with trumpet-shaped flowers that change color from white to pink to deep rose as they age. This self-pollinating species may attract pollinators like hummingbirds and moths, which can aid in the pollination process. Following pollination, the plant produces seed capsules filled with numerous tiny seeds, which are dispersed when the capsules split open at maturity. Finally, as an annual plant, after setting seeds, the Flowering Tobacco plant completes its life cycle and dies, leaving the new generation of seeds to begin the process again.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The most popular method of propagation for Nicotiana mutabilis, commonly known as Flowering Tobacco, is by seed. Sowing can be done either in the spring after the last frost when the soil has warmed up to at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (about 16 degrees Celsius) or indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost. Seeds should be sown superficially, barely covered with soil as they need light to germinate. Keep the soil moist until germination, which usually takes 10-14 days. Once seedlings have developed a couple of true leaves, they can be thinned out or transplanted to individual pots before being moved outside into their final positions, ensuring they are gradually acclimatized to outdoor conditions.
