Tea Plant | Camellia Sinensis | Live Plants | Black White Green and Oolong Tea

Grown, packaged and shipped exclusively by Florida Foliage. Camellia sinensis (or tea plant) 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 plucking—the tea industry's term for harvesting—look 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. The flowers attract bees and it is mildly resistant to damage by deer.