SCIENTIFIC NAME: Camellia sinensis

COMMON NAME: Tea Plant, Tea Camellia

GARDEN SIZE: 8-15 ft. tall x 6-10 ft. wide

GROWTH RATE: Moderate compared with other camellias. In general, camellias are slow-growing plants and can take 10-20 years to reach their full size, depending on their environment.

USDA ZONE: 7-9

EXPOSURE: Prefers morning sun and afternoon shade. Here in Tennessee toward the northern edge of their range, camellias prefer to be sheltered by at least one wall.

WATER & SOIL: Well-drained soil; Average water requirements

HABIT (FORM): Upright, spreading shrub

FOLIAGE: Evergreen; Glossy green on white-blooming tea plant; New growth on pink-blooming tea plant is tinted red and matures to green

FLOWERS: Small, white or soft pink flowers with a cupped, single bloom shape. Bright gold stamens accentuate their centers.

FLOWER SIZE: 1-1.5 inches

BLOOM TIME: Fall

PLANT ORIGIN: Southeast Asia

WILDLIFE SUPPORT: Flowers may feed pollinators in the very early spring and/or fall, but it is not a host for local wildlife.

FERTILIZING: Fertilize with a bloom booster fertilizer two seasons before they bloom (in fall for spring bloomers and in spring for fall bloomers).

PRUNING: Not necessary. If desired for shaping, you may prune right after blooming.

ASPCA Toxicity flags (see their site for details): Camellias are generally non-toxic; however, Camellia sinensis contains caffeine and should be handled with caution around pets.

USES: Ornamental specimen; tender new leaves and flower buds can be harvested for making tea.