Its leaves, used for tea, are cultivated around the world and commercially grown in Asia and India.
Camellia sinensis flowers autumn through early winter with small, white or pink flowers.
Plants start blooming at around four years old.
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Glossy, deep green leaves make this an outstanding foliagespecimenin groupings, hedges, foundation plantings and borders.
It also grows well in containers.
Tea Plant Care
Grown indoors as a houseplant, it rarely produces blooms.
Due to specific temperature requirements during the growth and dormancy periods, indoor plants fare best in conservatories.
The home environment is often too warm and too dry.
Soil
An acid soil withpH levels of 4.0 or 5.5is needed to successfully grow Camellia sinensis.
Most soils are higher in alkalinity so asoil testis worthwhile before planting.
It can save you time and effort and allow the opportunity to increase soil acidity when necessary.
Water
Water camellia sinensis regularly to keep soil evenly and moderately moist.
Potted plants may require watering every day and benefit from rainwater or distilled water.
Mature plants are resistant to drought but should be watered when the top inch of soil gets dry.
Avoid overwatering, which can damage roots, and confirm containers include plenty of drainage holes.
Tea plant, particularly when kept indoors, will benefit fromincreased humidity.
Fertilizer
Grown as an ornamental, Camellia sinensisshould be fertilized with organic or standardNPK formulas.
Compost,blood meal,bone meal, and liquid fish emulsion are all good organic choices.
Work compost into soil annually in autumn or early spring.
Apply blood or bone meal at the start of growing season and again midseason.
Apply foliar applications every two to three weeks.
To support flower growth, fertilizer with higher amounts of phosphorous such an NPK 5-15-5.
Types of Tea Plant
There are two main varieties of Camellia sinensis and numerous cultivars.
it’s possible for you to make any of the six main categories of tea using the leaves.
Pruning
Prune Camellia sinensis in late winter or early spring following the bloom period.
Hard pruning of up to half the foliage helps shape immature shrubs and keeps container grown plants manageable.
Container grown plants can also beroot prunedto maintain the desired size.
Softwood cuttings can be taken during the active growing season between March and September depending on your climate.
Plastic and glazed ceramic pots work best.
Choose one with plenty of drainage holes.
A good planting medium for Camellia sinensis is quality potting soil mixed with aged compost.
Fill the bottom third of the pot and set the plant on top of the soil.
Fill in around the roots and crown leaving the crown just above soil level.
Water thoroughly until water runs out the drainage holes.
Every three to four years is usually sufficient for potting up.
Reduce watering frequency and stop fertilizing until spring.
To protect outdoor plants, add a heavy layer of mulch at the base of the plant.
Further insulate plants by surrounding with wire cages wrapped in burlap and filled with straw or leaves.
Caterpillars can be handpicked or apply a preventivepesticide.
Indoors, use neem oil or another horticultural oil at the first sign of infestation.
Reserve hard pruning for late winter or early spring until after the bloom period.
Fertilize mature plants during the growing season with an NPK formula higher in phosphorous.
What Do Tea Plant Flowers Look and Smell Like?
Flowers are small (1- to 1 1/2-inches across) and usually white with yellow stamens.
Blooms may be single or semi-double with 7 to 9 rounded petals up to 20 for semi-double flowers.
Petals may show a pink tinge.
sinensis’Rosea' is notable for its pink flowers.
Camellia sinensis can live up to 30 years.
Camellia sinensis should be put in a southwest-facing window or in an enclosed porch or sunroom.
Camellia sinensis.NC State Extension.
