Home Garden

Use of Aztec Nicotiana Flowers

Aztec nicotiana, Nicotiana alata, is so named because the ancient Aztecs considered the plant sacred and medicinal. Native to South and North America, Aztec nicotiana plants grow in the wild and in home gardens. A fast-growing annual, Aztec nicotiana plants produce an abundance of five-petal, tubular flowers throughout the summer months.
  1. Aromatic

    • The Aztec nicotiana plant is also know as the jasmine nicotiana because of the intoxicating, strong aroma the flowers produce, particularly in the evening and overnight. Grow this fragrant, flowering plant around patios, decks and under open windows to enjoy the delightful aroma. Original Aztec nicotiana blossoms bloomed white and occasionally light yellow, but hybrids produce flowers in shades of pink and red.

    Pest Control

    • The fragrant flowers of Aztec nicotiana also appeal to harmful insects and bugs, which tend to be drawn to the plant. Growing Aztec nicotiana plants as companion plants to vegetables and flowers will attract pests to the Aztec nicotiana instead of the surrounding plants, making it easier to control and kill the pests. Aphids, whiteflies, cutworms and beetles are the primary pests Aztec nicotiana attract.

    Benefical Attraction

    • Used as a companion plant to attract beneficial insects and hummingbirds to your vegetable and flower gardens, Aztec nicotiana flowers are very effective. The bright, fragrant and abundant tubular-shaped flowers attract hummingbirds, butterflies and bees. These beneficial visitors to your garden will pollinate vegetables and flowers throughout your landscape.

    Floral Arrangements

    • Aztec nicotiana flowers are not long lasting, usually only a day or two, but this does not mean the fragrant flowers are not incorporated into bouquets and floral arrangements for special occasions, such as weddings. The stems of Aztec nicotiana will have an abundance of flowers that, when used as filler flowers, make an attractive addition. The fragrance the Aztec nicotiana flowers emit are well worth the short duration of the blooms.