Nicotiana × sanderae 'Merlin Appleblossom': Graceful Fragrant Garden Plant

Nicotiana × sanderae 'Merlin Appleblossom', a striking hybrid tobacco plant, is known for its charming rose-pink to soft pink flowers and pleasant, sweet fragrance. This annual plant belongs to the nightshade family (Solanaceae) and is widely used in gardens and balcony boxes for its long-lasting blooms, graceful appearance, and attractiveness to pollinators. 'Merlin Appleblossom' combines elegance with functionality, making it a favorite for both borders and containers.

Characteristics of Nicotiana × sanderae 'Merlin Appleblossom'

'Merlin Appleblossom' is a compact, bushy plant that grows to approximately 40–60 cm tall. The flowers are trumpet-shaped and range from soft pink to peachy, with a delicate fragrance that is particularly intense in the evening and early morning. The aromatic foliage is gray-green, oval, and forms an attractive backdrop for the bright flowers.

This tobacco plant blooms from late spring to early autumn and retains its ornamental value throughout the growing season. Its pleasant fragrance attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, contributing to biodiversity in the garden.

Flowering and Maintenance

Nicotiana × sanderae 'Merlin Appleblossom' is easy to grow from seeds or young plants. It thrives in well-drained, fertile soil in a sunny to partially shaded location. Regular watering is important for optimal flowering, especially during hot and dry periods.

Removing spent flowers encourages new blooms and keeps the plant compact and healthy. As an annual, 'Merlin Appleblossom' completes its life cycle within a single growing season but can set seed for spontaneous regrowth the following year.

Garden and Landscape Use

This colorful tobacco plant is versatile in the garden:

• Borders: adds height, colour and fragrance to mixed flower beds.

• Containers and bins: ideal for terraces, patios and balconies.

• Biodiversity garden: attracts pollinators and supports ecological garden concepts.

• Evening garden: The sweet scent of the flowers makes the plant perfect for evening gardens and relaxation areas.

Thanks to its compact growth, Nicotiana × sanderae 'Merlin Appleblossom' can also be combined with lower perennials or ground covers for a layered effect in the garden.

Safety aspects

Although the plant is decorative and fragrant, it belongs to the nightshade family and contains alkaloids, so consumption is not recommended. Touching the plant is safe, but children and pets should be warned not to eat any part of it.