Chilean Wild-tobacco Plant Care

Chilean Wild-tobacco (Vestia foetida) belongs to the Solanaceae family within the Vestia genus. Chilean Wild-tobacco is native to an area stretching from the Valparaíso Region in the north to Chiloé Island (in the Los Lagos Region) in the south. Chilean Wild-tobacco is also known as Foetid Vestia.

Chilean Wild-tobacco displays a compact, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 2.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2.5 ft. Chilean Wild-tobacco produces small bell-shaped flowers in shades of purple and white.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Chilean Wild-tobacco every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Chilean Wild-tobacco thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Vestia foetida tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Chilean Wild-tobacco prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Chilean Wild-tobacco to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Chilean Wild-tobacco every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Chilean Wild-tobacco is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Chilean Wild-tobacco can spread to about 3 ft (0.8 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.8 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Chilean Wild-tobacco while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Chilean Wild-tobacco is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Chilean Wild-tobacco can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Chilean Wild-tobacco is susceptible to aphids, whiteflies, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Chilean Wild-tobacco grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Chilean Wild-tobacco is native to an area stretching from the Valparaíso Region in the north to Chiloé Island (in the Los Lagos Region) in the south. In cooler regions, grow Chilean Wild-tobacco as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.