Camellia sinensis is used to make most traditional caffeinated teas, including black tea, white tea, oolong tea, and green tea. This plant originated near the southwest region of China as an evergreen forest shrub. The leaves are glossy green with serrated edges and are similar in both shape and size to a bay leaf. Many tea gardens and plantations keep camellia sinensis as a shrub, but if you don't prune it, it may grow into a small tree. In fact, some cultivars believe that the taller the tea plant, the larger the root structure, and the more nutrient-rich and flavorful the tea. Tea plant thrives in well-drained, sandy soil and shouldn't be harvested until it reaches three years old. Harvesting camellia sinensis must be done by hand, as only the top leaves should be plucked. During pluckingÑthe tea industry's term for harvestingÑlook for young leaves at the top of the plant, particularly those with tips, or small, partially formed leaves. Pluck a group, or "flush," of leaves, taking care to include a small portion of the stem containing two to five leaves and the tip. Tea is harvested during the warmer months when the plant is growing strong. In northern climates, this results in only a four-month window. However, in tropical regions, cultivars may have up to eight months of regular harvests. This plant is slow-growing and easily maintained. Unlike many other Camellia species, it is heat and drought tolerant and can perform well in full sun. The attractive dense dark-green leaves and blooms make it a good plant for screening, foundation planting, hedge, or an attractive patio or container plant. For optimal tea production, it is best to prune to 4-5' just before spring growth to encourage shoots.
| Product Care Instructions | Well-drained |
| Color | White |
| Unit Count | 1.0 Count |
| Expected Planting Period | Spring |
| USDA Hardiness Zone | 8, 9, 10 |
| Soil Type | Sandy Soil |
| Moisture Needs | Moderate Watering |
| Expected Blooming Period | Spring |
| Sunlight Exposure | Full Sun |
P**R
Beautiful Plants
I ordered two Camellia Sinensis; the box seemed much smaller than the plants I was hoping for after reading other reviews. Upon opening the box the gorgeous green branches popped up out of the box. Two lovely, healthy, little plants were artfully wedged in place in the box. I wrestled them with care from the box and the springy branches spread out as if they hadn’t traveled cross country in a little box for days. The pots were both wrapped in cling plastic; one still quite damp the other a little dry. They were so root bound I chose to cut the base off the pot so as to keep the thick, long roots that wound under them. They both have new spring growth and signs of flower buds.
S**L
Perfect Specimen!
The plant was in excellent condition with green glossy leaves. When I opened the top of the box and saw the top leaves, there were so perfect that I literally felt them with my fingers to make sure I hadn't accidentally ordered a fake plastic plant. Plant was bigger than expected and very healthy. It was slightly rootbound with bulging roots that will surely help it grow vigorously now that it has been transplanted to larger pot.
R**K
looked beautiful. I’ve researched growing and planting mediums
Plantscame packaged well, looked beautiful. I’ve researched growing and planting mediums. Both plants purchased were well cared for but both died after 30 days. I have goood experience growing so I am not certain what happened.
A**A
It still seems to be doing fine though! If I didn't have to damage the ...
The plant arrived in a timely manner, it was really well packed. Didn't lose a grain of dirt! It was also well watered and looked vibrant and healthy, even for being dormant. It was badly rootbound though, the roots had grown through and around the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot. I had to cut them to get the plant out of the pot and I was worried I might kill it. It still seems to be doing fine though! If I didn't have to damage the roots on this plant I would easily have given this 5 stars! Don't be nervous about ordering plants from this company, they're good.
R**S
Very happy.
Larger than the picture. I buy a lot of plants through Amazon, and this is by far the largest 4" pot I've ever received, and the plant is about 12" and bushy compared to a 3" twig with no branches. Arrived dried out and root bound, but extremely healthy. Very happy.
J**E
Plant arrived in poor condition.
I purchased this plant based on all of the good reviews. When plant arrived it looked like it had been packaged pretty well. My problem is that over half the leaves look diseased or dried out completely. This had to have left in this condition because this doesn't happen in just a couple of days in the mail. It looks like there's a bit of new growth on it so there may be hope but I'm not banking on it
J**S
Frozen Assets
Purchased this for one of my wife's Christmas Gifts. Opened the day it showed up and both the soil and roots were frozen solid. Not counting the box and bubble wrap there was no insulation. If you are in a Norther Climate wait until spring or summer to order this. With in 2 days all but 4 leaves had fallen of, and with in a week they were all gone. We were hoping it was just shock to the leaves but the stem is now bone dry and dead.
A**R
Arrived healthy and in beautiful shape
Terrific tea plants.
Trustpilot
2 months ago
1 month ago
