Camellia sinensis (Tea Plant)

Camellia sinensis (Tea Plant) is a slow-growing, large, upright evergreen shrub with leathery, lance-shaped, toothed, glossy dark green leaves, 5 in. long (12 cm). Fragrant, white flowers, 1.5 in. across (4 cm), adorned with many golden-yellow stamens appear in fall to early winter. The flowers attract bees, and it is mildly resistant to damage by deer. Grown for its excellent foliage and pretty fall flowers, Camellia sinensis is probably the most widely grown Camellia in the world traditionally used for caffeinated teas. They are harvested as the leaves emerge beginning in early spring and processed in different ways to create unique flavors. Smaller young leaves and leaf buds are used for making green tea, the older larger leaves for oolong and black tea, and the buds for white tea. Where winter-hardy, this flowering evergreen camellia makes an excellent addition to shady areas of the landscape.

• Grows up to 10-15 ft. tall (300-450 cm) and 6-10 ft. wide (180-300 cm). This evergreen shrub takes well to pruning and can be trimmed as a hedge.
• Performs best in part shade in consistently moist, acidic, organically rich, well-drained soils. Provide a site sheltered from cold, dry winds as buds and flowers may be damaged by cold winds. Protect from the early morning sun and from the direct hot summer afternoon sun. 
• Plant shallowly, and mulch with bark or leaf mold.
• Fertilize in mid-spring and early summer.
• Perfect for woodland gardens, city gardens, cottage gardens, wall-side borders, or as screens and hedges. Perfect as a specimen plant or in small groups.
• Keep an eye out for aphids, scale insects, and vine weevils or camellia petal blight.
• Requires little pruning. Removal of damaged, dead, or diseased branches is best done after flowering.
• Propagate by seed, soak seed prior to sowing, and sow when ripe under glass. Can also be propagated via hardwood and semi-hardwood cuttings.
• Camellia sinensis is native to China.