Camellia sinensis

Common Names

Tea Plant, Tea Tree, Tea Shrub, Tea Camellia, Tea Tree Camellia

Summary

Tea plant is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to China and India, with a waist-height growth habit for easy leaf harvest, glossy dark-green lance-shaped serrated leaves, and fragrant white flowers that bloom in autumn; two major varieties, China-type with smaller leaves and Assam-type with larger leaves, underlie leaf characteristics used in different teas.

Prefers acidic, well-drained soil and consistent moisture with partial sun to full sun; can be grown in-ground or in containers and is suited to pruning after flowering to maintain a compact habit; propagation is by seed or cuttings; harvest involves picking the terminal bud with the top two leaves, and processing yields white, green, oolong, and black teas; zones 7–9 are ideal, with some cultivars hardy to zone 6.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

6-15 ft

Spread

4-8 ft

Hardiness Zones

Zones 7-9

Sunlight Requirements

Ideal sun: full sun to partial shade; hotter zones benefit from morning sun with afternoon shade; colder zones require 6+ hours of direct sun

Soil Type

Acidic, well-draining soil rich in organic matter (pH 4.5–6.5)

Soil Drainage

Well-drained, moist but not waterlogged, acidic soil (pH 4.5–6.5).

Soil pH

4.5–6.0

Bloom Color

White (occasionally pink)

Bloom Time

Fall

Foliage Color

Green, including bright, dark, deep, and glossy shades.

Fall Foliage Color

No fall color; evergreen; green leaves year-round.

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

12–24 inches per year, slow-growing

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Layering

Attracts Wildlife

Bees, butterflies