Growing Camellia Sinensis

Camellia sinensis can be grown in most moderate zones in the United States. Zones 7, 8 & 9 provide the most suitable outdoor climates althought it can be grown in greenhouses and/or protected areas in colder climate zones or used in containers where you could protect it from severe freezes.

Camellia sinensis will perform well in areas in bright light or full sun with balanced nutrients and plenty of water.
Species Name: Camellia sinensis (Large Leaf - White Flowering cultivars)
Growth Habit: Upright, bushy growth
Bloom Time: Fall
Maintainable Height: 3-4’ or larger
Soil Conditions: Moist, well drained acid soil
Light Conditions: Full sun to part shade

Uses: Containers, landscape & garden plants, screens, hedges, foundation plants Although there are many varieties of Camellia sinensis, the large leaf tea is the most common.

Most of these plants will produce white flowers, although some have been known to have pink tones to full pink flowers. In the fall of each year, the tea plant is covered with small blossoms and later the next spring and summer, you probably will see small seed pods on your tea plants.

Sinensis is an excellent seed-setter. These seeds can be harvested, planted and new seedlings will soon sprout up. Each of these seeds will produce plants that are genetically different from the parent, and will most likely resemble the parent, but this is not true in all cases. Tea can be made from the leaves of Camellia sinensis.