Nicotiana × sanderae 'Merlin Lime': Fresh and Fragrant Garden Plant

Nicotiana × sanderae 'Merlin Lime' is a striking hybrid tobacco plant known for its fresh lime-green flowers, compact growth, and pleasant fragrance. This annual plant belongs to the nightshade family (Solanaceae) and is beloved for its long blooming period, ornamental value, and attractiveness to pollinators. 'Merlin Lime' is ideal for borders, containers, and garden designs that combine color, fragrance, and biodiversity.

Characteristics of Nicotiana × sanderae 'Merlin Lime'

'Merlin Lime' grows bushily and compactly, reaching a height of approximately 40–60 cm and producing trumpet-shaped flowers in a striking lime green. The aromatic, grayish-green foliage contrasts beautifully with the flowers, adding texture to any border or pot. The flowers bloom from late spring to early autumn and exude a light, pleasant fragrance that is particularly intense in the evenings and early mornings.

The plant attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, making it an ecologically valuable addition to the garden. Its compact size makes it suitable for both large borders and smaller container plantings on patios and balconies.

Flowering and Maintenance

Nicotiana × sanderae 'Merlin Lime' 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, especially during warm spells, to encourage long-lasting blooms.

Removing spent flowers encourages new blooms and keeps the plant compact and healthy. As an annual, 'Merlin Lime' completes its life cycle in a single growing season but can set seed, which will spontaneously produce new plants the following year.

Garden and Landscape Use

'Merlin Lime' is versatile in the garden:

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

• Containers and bins: ideal for terraces, patios and balconies, where the compact size comes into its own.

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

• Evening garden: the sweet scent of the flowers makes the plant perfect for relaxing spots where you want to enjoy the garden in the evening.

The fresh lime green flowers create a unique splash of colour in the garden and can be combined well with other annuals or perennials for a striking and harmonious garden design.

Safety aspects

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