Camellia japonica var. sinensis (Tea Camellia, Tea Shrub, Tea Plant, Tea Tree)
Botanical Information
| Family | Theaceae |
| Genus | Camellia |
| Species | japonica |
| Variety | sinensis |
| Category | Tropicals, Woody |
| Type | Shrub (evergreen) |
| Origin | Native to East and South Asia. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses Disclaimer | Leaves contain 4% caffeine and can be used for tea. |
Details
| USDA Hardiness Zone | 7-9 |
| USDA Hardiness Ref. | |
| Canadian Hardiness Zone | 8 |
| Canada Hardiness Ref. | |
| RHS Hardiness Zone | H3-H6 |
| RHS Hardiness Ref. | |
| Temperature (°C) | -17.8-(-1.1) |
| Temperature (°F) | 0-30 |
| Height | 1-2 m |
| Growth | Medium |
| Flowering Period | January, October, November, December |
Description and Growing Information
| Shape | Upright, bushy form. |
| Landscape | Can be grown in containers but best grown as a hedge, screen or foundation plant. |
| Propagation | Propagated by cuttings. |
| Cultivation | Best grown in rich, moist soils in partial sun. |
| Notable Specimens | Harry P. Leu Gardens, Orlando, Florida, United States of America. |
| Habitat | Found in subtropic and tropic areas with consistent rainfall along mountain slopes. |
| Leaf Description | The leaves are glossy, pale green with serrated edges and grow 5-15 cm long and 2-5 cm wide. The underside has short, spiked hairs which as they mature they turn darker green. |
| Flower Description | The pale yellow-white flowers are 2-4 cm around and have 7-8 petals. |
Photographs
Camellia sinensis var. sinensis, form. Harry P. Leu Gardens, Orlando, Florida, United States of America.
Camellia sinensis var. sinensis, leaf. Harry P. Leu Gardens, Orlando, Florida, United States of America.
Camellia sinensis var. sinensis, bud. Harry P. Leu Gardens, Orlando, Florida, United States of America.