The leaves and buds of this evergreen Chinese tree are the source of the favorite beverage, tea. If left unpruned, a mature tree can reach a substantial size and typically has an upright habit and spreading crown. When grown for tea production, tea trees are severely pruned on a regular basis to keep them short and shrubby for easy harvest and heavier leaf production.
Tea trees have dark green, oval leaves that are leathery, glossy and have tiny teeth on the edges. Their central rib, or vein, is light yellow-green. In autumn, fragrant white flowers appear among the foliage and continue to bloom into winter. These have a mass of lovely golden yellow stamens at their centers. The young branches are reddish brown with gray striations, and the mature bark is smooth and grayish tan.
Grow tea in nearly full sun to partial shade (important in the afternoon) and average to well-drained, acidic soil that is not clay-rich and heavy. It is tolerant of more winter chill and drought than other camellias but still requires protection from excessive winter cold and hot summer winds. Use it as a slow-growing hedge, foundation or garden specimen or in a container on the patio. (info source: Learn2Grow.com)
Genus - Camellia
Species - Sinensis
Common name - Tea Camellia
Pre-Treatment - Not-required
Hardiness zones - 7 - 9
Height - 10'-50' / 3.0m - 15.2m
Spread - 10'-30' / 3.0m - 9.1m
Plant type - Small shrub
Vegetation type - Evergreen
Exposure - Partial Shade
Growth rate - Slow
Soil PH - Acidic, Neutral
Soil type - Loam, well drained
Water requirements - Drought Tolerant, Average Water
Landscape uses - Container, Edible, Feature Plant, Foundation, Hedges
Germination rate - 70%
Bloom season - Fall, Late Fall, Early Winter
Leaf / Flower color - Dark Green / Yellow, white