Assam Tea, Tea Plant, Tea Tree, Tea Camellia, Tea Tree Camellia, Camellia thea, Camellia sinensis thea, Thea sinensis
Camellia sinensis, commonly known as Tea Tree or Tea Plant, is a small evergreen shrub or tree renowned for its leaves, which are used to produce green, black, oolong, and white teas. Native to East Asia, it belongs to the Theaceae family, along with ornamental camellias such as Camellia japonica and Camellia sasanqua. This versatile plant thrives in tropical and subtropical climates and plays a central role in global tea culture.
Camellia sinensis is a slow-growing, upright, evergreen shrub prized for its attractive foliage, fragrant flowers, and its role in traditional tea production. Its leathery, lance-shaped, dark green leaves grow up to 5 inches long (12 cm), with finely toothed edges and a glossy surface.
In fall to early winter, the plant produces delicate, fragrant white flowers highlighted by a cluster of golden-yellow stamens.
Highly valued for its foliage and flowers, Camellia sinensis is the most widely cultivated camellia species, traditionally grown for caffeinated tea. Leaves are harvested starting in early spring and processed to create green, black, oolong, or white tea. Young leaves and buds produce green and white teas, while mature leaves are used for oolong and black teas.
In areas where it is winter-hardy, this versatile evergreen thrives in shaded garden areas, providing beauty and utility throughout the year.
Camellia sinensis is native to southern China, northern Myanmar, and the Assam region of India. It grows naturally in forested hills, where temperatures are mild, and rainfall is abundant. Today, it is widely cultivated across Asia, Africa, and South America in tea plantations, particularly in regions with acidic soils and high humidity.
The Tea Tree is a slow-growing, broadleaf evergreen shrub or small tree with a rounded, upright habit. In cultivation, plants are often pruned to waist height to facilitate leaf harvesting. If left unpruned, the plant can develop into a small tree with a spreading crown.
When grown in plantations, Camellia sinensis is typically kept at 3-5 feet (1-1.5 meters) tall for easy harvesting. Left unpruned, it can reach 10-15 feet (3-4.5 meters). It spreads 4-8 feet (1.2-2.4 meters), forming a dense, bushy canopy. This evergreen shrub takes well to pruning and can be trimmed as a hedge.
The Tea Tree produces small, fragrant flowers, each about 1.5 inches across (4 cm), with 7-8 creamy white petals and bright yellow stamens. Flowers bloom in autumn and early winter, often appearing singly or in clusters along the branches.
The fruit is a small, three-lobed capsule that ripens from green to brown. Each lobe contains a hard, rounded seed. While not particularly showy, these seeds can be used for propagation.
The leaves of Camellia sinensis are dark green, glossy, leathery, and elliptical, measuring 2-5 inches (5-13 cm) long. The leaf margins are finely serrated. Young leaves are tender and lightly hairy, while mature leaves develop a smoother surface.
When grown as a tree, the trunk is slender, light gray, and slightly rough with shallow vertical fissures. In cultivated shrubs, multiple stems emerge from the base, creating a dense, rounded form.
Camellia sinensis is hardy in USDA zones 7-9. It thrives in temperate climates with mild winters and abundant rainfall. It prefers temperatures between 50-86°F (10-30°C).
The flowers provide nectar for bees and other pollinators. In natural habitats, the dense foliage offers shelter to small birds and insects.
Camellia sinensis offers moderate resistance to deer browsing. While not fully deer-proof, its tough, leathery leaves and slightly bitter taste make it less appealing to deer compared to more tender plants.
Its tolerance to rabbits is less well-documented, but young plants, especially seedlings, may be vulnerable to rabbit damage.
Tea leaves are safe for human consumption. However, excessive intake of caffeine in tea can cause health issues. Fresh leaves and seeds are non-toxic to pets and humans.
Camellia sinensis prefers consistently moist soil and does not tolerate extended drought. While mature plants can withstand short dry spells, prolonged dryness reduces leaf quality and productivity. Regular watering is essential in dry climates.
Camellia sinensis is not considered invasive in most regions where it is actively cultivated. However, it has shown the ability to naturalize in favorable climates with acidic soils, high humidity, and frequent rainfall. In such conditions, particularly in abandoned plantations and disturbed forests, it can spread beyond cultivation.
In some cases, it has been observed invading natural and logged forests, where its dense growth can suppress the regeneration of native plant species (Tanzania).
Camellia sinensis plants prefer partial shade, especially in warmer climates. They tolerate full sun in cooler areas, but strong midday sun can scorch leaves. Dappled shade beneath taller trees mimics their natural habitat. Choose a planting site sheltered from cold, dry winds, as these can damage the buds and flowers, especially during the winter months.
Prefers rich, well-drained, slightly acidic soils (pH 5.5-6.5). Amend heavy clay with organic matter to improve drainage. Mulch around the base to conserve moisture.
Water regularly to maintain evenly moist soil. Allow the top inch to dry between waterings. Camellia sinensis plants need more water during leaf production and dry spells. Avoid waterlogging.
Apply balanced fertilizer with micronutrients during spring and summer. Acid-loving plant fertilizers work well. Reduce feeding in fall and winter when growth slows.
Prune to maintain desired shape and size. For optimal leaf harvest, trim to 3-5 feet tall, encouraging bushy growth. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches annually.
Camellia sinensis can be propagated from seeds or semi-hardwood cuttings. Seeds should be fresh, soaked overnight, and sown in acidic, well-draining soil. Germination typically takes several weeks. For cuttings, select healthy, semi-hardwood stems in summer, dip them in rooting hormone, and plant in moist, sandy soil. Provide warmth and humidity to encourage rooting. Cuttings often root within 2-3 months. Both methods require patience, but cuttings ensure the new plants are true to the parent’s traits.
Camellia sinensis is vulnerable to several pests and diseases, especially when stressed. Common fungal issues include dieback, canker, leaf spot, anthracnose, black mold, root rot, and flower blight, which causes browning from the edges inward. Insect pests include scale insects, aphids, planthoppers, vine weevils, and spider mites. Yellow leaves with green veins may indicate chlorosis, treatable by adding iron to the soil.
To manage pests and diseases, maintain good air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and remove infected plant parts promptly. Stressed plants are more prone to severe infestations and infections.
Leaves are harvested by hand, selecting young leaves and buds. Processing varies:
Camellia sinensis is the plant from which all true teas are made, including green tea. Green tea is produced by harvesting the young leaves of Camellia sinensis and processing them with minimal oxidation. Other teas, such as black, white, oolong, and pu-erh, also come from this same plant.
Tea made from Camellia sinensis is rich in antioxidants, particularly polyphenols and catechins, which may support heart health, improve brain function, and aid digestion. It is also believed to help with weight management, boost metabolism, and reduce inflammation, though scientific evidence varies depending on the type of tea and preparation.
Camellia tea offers numerous potential benefits, including:
Yes, extracts from Camellia sinensis are widely used in skincare. Green tea extract, in particular, is valued for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. It can help soothe irritation, combat acne, and protect skin from environmental damage, making it a popular ingredient in cleansers, toners, and moisturizers.
| Hardiness |
7 - 9 |
|---|---|
| Climate Zones | 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
| Plant Type | Shrubs |
| Plant Family | Theaceae |
| Genus | Camellia |
| Common names | Tea Plant |
| Exposure | Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest | Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter |
| Height | 10' - 15' (3m - 4.6m) |
| Spread | 4' - 8' (120cm - 240cm) |
| Spacing | 48" - 96" (120cm - 240cm) |
| Maintenance | Average |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen |
| Attracts | Bees |
| Garden Uses | Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens, Wall-Side Borders |
| Garden Styles | Japanese Garden, City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage |
| Hardiness |
7 - 9 |
|---|---|
| Climate Zones | 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
| Plant Type | Shrubs |
| Plant Family | Theaceae |
| Genus | Camellia |
| Common names | Tea Plant |
| Exposure | Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest | Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter |
| Height | 10' - 15' (3m - 4.6m) |
| Spread | 4' - 8' (120cm - 240cm) |
| Spacing | 48" - 96" (120cm - 240cm) |
| Maintenance | Average |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen |
| Attracts | Bees |
| Garden Uses | Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens, Wall-Side Borders |
| Garden Styles | Japanese Garden, City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage |
How many Camellia sinensis (Tea Tree) do I need for my garden?
| Plant | Quantity | |
|---|---|---|
| Camellia sinensis (Tea Tree) | N/A | Buy Plants |
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Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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