Native to South America and a true member of the nightshade family, Nicotiana alata is a tender perennial grown as an annual across most of North America. It reaches 3 to 5 feet, producing large, coarse leaves and long-tubed flowers that remain closed in daylight and open fully at night — a strategy calibrated to moth pollinators, which it draws reliably. The fragrance at dusk is genuinely intoxicating, richer and sweeter than most annuals can manage, and it earns its place near a path, a patio, or any seat where evenings are spent outdoors.

Plant it in full sun to partial shade in moist, organically rich soil; it will wilt in drought, so consistent watering matters. Some afternoon shade in the hottest southern gardens keeps the plants looking their best through summer. Most plants sold in nurseries under this name are compact, day-blooming hybrids that have been bred for visibility at the expense of scent — if the fragrance is the point, seek out true-species seed. Keep it away from other nightshade vegetables, as it can carry and spread tobacco mosaic virus to tomatoes, peppers, and potatoes.