Description
Whether it be green, black, white, yellow, darjeeling, pu-erh, or oolong it all comes from the processed tender young leaves and shoots of Camellia sinensis. Glossy gorgeous dark green leaves. Smallish white fragrant flowers bloom in the fall, the huge yellow boss provides a late boon for pollen and nectar seekers. The plants we put in the garden as a hardiness test survives its full morning sun non protected site. Over three winters (fully exposed to -15C), there isn’t any evidence of die back. Fully mature specimens live in Vancouver and a plantation is being established further down island. I plan on having lovely groves sometime in the near future and enjoy our own tea…from both leaves and flowers. Can be grown as bonsai but don’t expect too many cups of tea.
Okay, now for the deep dive. I’ve been watching Wu Mountain Tea videos. The host an energetic young man who speaks on everything tea related and goes in great detail. If you want to learn how to grow and what turns Camellia sinensis leaves into the many categories and subcategories of tea including its health benefits, do watch. https://www.youtube.com/@wumountaintea/videos
- Seed Count: 10-12
- Collection Date: Nov 2023
- Hardiness Zone: 6-10
- Height and Width: 2-4m x 2-4m
- Preferred conditions: well draining acidic humus rich moist soils. Does well in our Zone 7 garden without any protection
- Germination test type: float; hand sort
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Family: Theaceae
How to germinate Camellia sinensis:
http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/oc/freepubs/pdf/scm-17.pdf
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qgsG6jtp5ZU
This site inspired us. We soak seed in hot tap water repeatedly to crack seed coat; sow no more than 1cm deep in well draining moist medium. Keep moist, give warmth (25C) & strong indirect light. Germinates in a few weeks. Culture: well draining acidic humus rich soils. Its doing well in our garden without any protection, but would be more lush in a protected spot. Fence from bambi. Late summer fragrant white flowers. Gorgeous as hedge, specimen, or bonsai. Prune to shape. Yes, this is the famous TEA! Oolong, green, black or white it’s the same plant
