Overview
Camellia sinensis is a bushy, columnar upright shrubs in the genus Camellia, part of the Theaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 2.5-4 metres tall and 1.5-2.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 10-20 years. Camellia sinensis grows best in partial shade, and tolerates loam and sand soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. It is low maintenance. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, patio and container plants, low maintenance, flower borders and beds and wall side borders.
About
Camellia sinensis is a species of evergreen shrub or small tree in the flowering plant family Theaceae. Its leaves, leaf buds, and stems are used to produce tea. Kukicha (twig tea) is also made from C. sinensis, but uses twigs and stems rather than leaves. It is native to Manizales, Assam, China South-Central, China Southeast, East Himalaya and other regions. Mature plants reach roughly 2.5-4 metres tall and 1.5-2.5 metres wide, carrying evergreen foliage. In the garden it prefers partial shade and loam and sand soil. It tolerates acid and neutral soils, moist but well-drained conditions and north-facing, south-facing and west-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Camellia sinensis
About the genus
Camellia is a genus of flowering plants in the family Theaceae. They are found in tropical and subtropical areas in eastern and southern Asia, from the Himalayas east to Japan and Indonesia. There are more than 220 described species; almost all are found in southern China and Indochina.
Wikipedia contributors, "Camellia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Camellia
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Camellia
- Sunlight
- Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Camellia sinensis size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy, Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 2.5-4 metres
- Spread
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 10-20 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Low Maintenance, Flower borders and beds, Wall side borders
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Camellia sinensis
- Propagation
- Semi-hardwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, Scale insects, Vine weevil
- Disease resistance
- Honey fungus, Phytophthora root rot, Camellia gall, Camellia leaf blight, Camellia yellow mottle virus, Camellia petal blight
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Camellia sinensis?
Camellia sinensis prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Camellia sinensis need?
Camellia sinensis grows best in loam and sand soil. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How big does Camellia sinensis grow?
Camellia sinensis reaches a height of 2.5-4 metres and a spread of 1.5-2.5 metres. It takes around 10-20 years to reach full size.
Is Camellia sinensis hardy in the UK?
Camellia sinensis has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Camellia sinensis?
Semi-hardwood cuttings.
More in the Camellia genus
- Camellia japonica 'Mathotiana'Japanese Camellia
- Camellia rusticana 'Nishiki Kirin'
- Camellia x williamsii 'Rose Holland'
