Tobacco plant

This nicotiana has more than a touch of class, and makes an aristocratic statement at the back of a lightly shaded or sunny border. The leaves are as large and hairy as a commercial tobacco plant, but the stately flower stems are its eye-catching feature. They are topped in summer and early autumn with large, loose sprays of very long, slim drooping flowers. Opening by day, these are pure white and intensely fragrant. When in full flower, each head is quite startling and resembles a graceful explosion. Plants self-seed, or the seeds can be collected for storing. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it its prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM).