Camellia Sinensis, Tea Plant

Camellia sinensis (Tea Plant)

Plant Description

Camellia sinensis, commonly known as the tea plant, is a broadleaf evergreen shrub prized for its leaves, which are used to produce green, black, white, and oolong teas. Camelia sinensis features glossy, dark green leaves, small white fragrant flowers, and a compact, dense growth habit.

Native Range

Camellia sinensis is native to East Asia, particularly China, India, and Myanmar, where it thrives in subtropical and tropical climates.

USDA Growing Zones

Hardiness Zones: 7–9 (outdoors)

Can be grown in containers and overwintered indoors in colder zones.

Size (Height & Width)

Height: 3–15 feet (can be pruned to maintain a smaller size)

Spread: 4–10 feet

Growing Conditions

Light Requirements:  Prefers partial shade to full sun.  In hotter climates, some afternoon shade is beneficial.

Soil:  Requires well-draining, acidic soil (pH 5.5–6.5).  Prefers rich, organic soil with good moisture retention.

Watering:  Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy.  Mulch around the base to retain moisture and regulate temperature.

Temperature & Humidity:  Thrives in cool to warm climates with high humidity.  Can tolerate short periods of frost but benefits from winter protection in colder areas.

Fertilization:  Apply an acid-loving plant fertilizer (such as azalea or camellia fertilizer) in early spring and midsummer.  Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can reduce tea quality.

Pruning:  Prune in late winter or early spring to shape and encourage bushy growth.  Regularly trim to maintain a manageable size for leaf harvesting.

Uses in the Landscape & Home:

Tea Production: Leaves are harvested and processed for tea making.

Hedge or Screen: Can be pruned into a dense, attractive hedge.

Ornamental Shrub: Adds beauty with glossy foliage and fragrant flowers.

Container Planting: Ideal for growing in pots in colder climates.

---SHIPPING NOTICE PLEASE READ BEFORE PURCHASING LIVE PLANTS!---

 We WILL NOT refund the purchase of or the shipping cost of live plants purchased with the intent to be shipped to states that do not authorize importing live plants or to states with restrictions! Purchases to these states will be held for 30 days for pick-up at our Slidell, Louisiana store and the shipping cost associated with these purchases will be held for the care of the plant while waiting to be picked up. All sales are final. If the plant(s) purchased are not picked up within 30 days from the date of order, these items will be returned to our sales inventory and you WILL NOT be refunded. Thank you for understanding these policies.

Due to regulations, certain states have restrictions on importing plants. Please review the list below to ensure you're not attempting to order any restricted plants in your area.

**Important Note:** We do not ship any plants outside the U.S.

State-Specific Restrictions - We ARE NOT responsible for any plant(s) that are not listed in these restrictions. Purchaser bears all responsibility for making sure the plant(s) they desire to purchase are not banned from being imported to the shipping state:

Arizona: Juglans spp.  

California: Castanea spp., Juglans spp., Pinus spp., Quercus spp.  

Colorado: Some counties restrict Prunus spp. Please verify your local county regulations.  

Florida: Castanea spp., Cornus spp., Quercus spp., Cornus mas 

Georgia: Vaccinium spp.

Hawaii: Pinus spp. 

Idaho: Humulus lupulus, Mentha spp., Vitis spp.

Indiana: Fragraria spp., Rosa spp. 

Kansas: Juglans spp.

Michigan: Abies spp., Vaccinium spp.

Montana: Pinus spp.

Nevada: Allium spp.

Mentha spp. 

New Jersey: Rosa spp.  

New York: Vitis spp.  

Oregon: Allium spp., Castanea spp., Corylus spp., Humulus lupulus, Quercus spp., Sambucus nigra, Ulmus spp., Vaccinium spp., Vitis spp.

Texas: Juglans spp. 

Washington: Allium spp., Castanea spp., Corylus spp., Humulus lupulus, Vaccinium spp., Vitis spp.  

Wisconsin: Abies spp., Pinus spp., Picea spp., Mentha spp. 

Additionally, we cannot ship plants in soil medium to the following states: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, HI, ID, KS, MS, MT, ND, NM, NV, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA.