This is a rare look at the beautiful Nicotiana tomentosa - Woolly Ornamental Tobacco.  This relative of the common smoking tobacco comes from the Andes mountains around Peru.  It's a robust bush or small tree that is super attractive in the garden, with large sprays of big, pink blossoms throughout the year.  This form is very hard to find and seldom seen for sale.

It's a perennial shrub that grows vigorously to over 10 feet tall here in San Francisco, although you can prune it a lot shorter if you need to.  Its large leaves grow 1 to 1½ feet long.  They can be cured and smoked like regular tobacco, if that's your thing.  The species name "tomentosa" refers to the "woolly" texture of the leaves, which have a tacky feel.  They won't stick to you, but they do catch small insects, which helps keep them off other plants!  The trumpet shaped blooms are 1½ inches long and are bright pink with a creamy throat.  It flowers most months of the year for me and is a very strong bloomer.  Hummingbirds love hovering around it!

It comes from middle elevations in the Andes, where temperatures are mild all year and nights are cool.  I don't have much information on how much heat it can take, but i think it should do fine in warmer climates if given filtered light.  I don't think the foliage can take more than a light, brief frost, but mature plants can grow back from the roots.  It likes partly sunny conditions.  If it happens to wilt in afternoon sun despite adequate water, give it some more shade.  It enjoys fertile, well-draining soil that's kept evenly moist.  Over about 40% humidity is probably a good idea.

Check availability