Camellia sinensis (Tea)

Botanical name

Camellia sinensis

Other names

Tea, Tea tree, Camellia bohea, Camellia thea, Camellia theifera, Thea sinensis, Thea viridis

Genus

Camellia Camellia

Species

C. sinensis - C. sinensis is an upright, tender, slow-growing, small evergreen tree or large shrub with oblong to lance-shaped, toothed, dark green leaves and single, fragrant, white flowers with prominent, golden-yellow stamens in autumn and winter.

Foliage

Evergreen

Habit

Upright

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Colour

Flower

White in Autumn; White in Winter

Foliage

Dark-green in All seasons

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How to care

Watch out for

Specific pests

Aphids , Scale insects , Vine weevil

Diseases

May be susceptible to a virus.

Specific diseases

Virus

General care

Pruning

Requires little pruning. Deadheading and the removal of dead, diseased, or damaged branches should be done after flowering.

Propagation

Soak seed prior to sowing. Sow as soon as ripe under glass.

Propagation methods

Hardwood cuttings, Seed, Semi-hardwood cuttings

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Camellia sinensis (Tea) will reach a height of 4m and a spread of 2.5m after 10-20 years.

Suggested uses

Architectural, Beds and borders, City, Containers, Cottage/Informal, Low Maintenance, Wallside and trellises

Cultivation

Plant shallowly in fertile, moist but well-drained, acid soil in a shady, sheltered site. Maintain a leaf mould or bark mulch. Protect buds & flowers from cold, dry winds & morning sun. Fertilise in mid-spring & early summer. Do not allow to dry out.

Soil type

Loamy, Sandy

Soil drainage

Moist but well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Neutral

Light

Partial Shade, Full Shade

Aspect

North, South, West

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Hardy (H4)

USDA zones

Zone 10, Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Camellia sinensis (Tea)

Common pest name

Japanese long scale; Japanese maple scale; Long scale; Japanese; Pear white scale

Scientific pest name

Lopholeucaspis japonica

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

General biosecurity comments

Regulated only on Citrus at present; regulation on other hosts needs to be considered. Only likely to be a pest under glass in UK.

Defra's Risk register #2

Plant name

Camellia sinensis (Tea)

Common pest name

pink wax scale; red was scale; ruby wax scale

Scientific pest name

Ceroplastes rubens

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Based on its biology and low potential impact continued action on this pest in the UK would not be considered appropriate. It is likely to be of more concern to southern Member States of the EU; as it is an economic pest of citrus.

Defra's Risk register #3

Plant name

Camellia sinensis (Tea)

Common pest name

Stubby-root nematode

Scientific pest name

Trichodorus cedarus

Type

Nematode

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Polyphagous nematode pest from Asia; occasionally intercepted by the UK. Causes direct feeding damage on plant roots and has the potential to vector viruses.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/