Latin Name: Camelia sinensis
Article by the Vancouver Island Master Gardeners Association
Camellia sinensis is an evergreen hardy shrub with pink or white fragrant flowers that blooms in the fall and winter. The plant is slow growing and can tolerate drought and full sun unlike many other Camellia species.
There are two major varieties, Camellia sinensis var. is the chinese variety, and Camellia sinensis var. assamica is from the Assam region of India.
The leaves are harvested in early spring and processed to create oolong, black, white and green teas. The differences in taste, colour and aroma between these teas are achieved by the varying climate, harvest, oxidation and processing. Smaller leaves are used for making green teas while the older larger leaves are used for oolong and black tea and the buds are used for white tea.
| Attribute | Description |
| Form: |
Upright, woody plant |
| Foliage: |
Elliptical shape with serrated margin and hair present, arranged in an alternate pattern. Leaf length is 3 - 6 inches |
| Height/Width: |
Height: 6 - 15 feet, Width: 4 - 8 feet |
| Hardiness Zone: |
Zones 7 to 9 |
| Exposure: |
Full sun to partial shade |
| Flower shape and colour: |
Pink or white. Fragrant flowers are 1 - 3 inches in size with 7 - 8 white or pink tinged petals and yellow stamens. Flowering starts when the plant is about 4 years old. |
| Leaf colour: |
Green, glossy and leathery |
| Flower time: |
October - December |
| Preferred soil and watering: |
High organic matter, moist soil with good drainage Medium watering requirement Slightly acidic soil with pH of less than 6.0 |
| Pests and diseases: | |
| Other: |
Attracts bees, resistant to deer, drought and heat. Susceptible to fungal diseases such as dieback, cankers, flower blight and root rot. |