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Plant Care
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Julie Bawden-Davis
Plant Care Guide
Camellia sinensis

Camellia sinensis

Tea

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  • General Information
  • Buy
  • Plant
  • Sow Seeds
  • Fertilize
  • Water
  • Prune
  • Mulch
  • Protect
  • Pest/Disease Inspection
  • Treat for Pest/Disease
  • Transplant
  • Propagate
  • Harvest
  • Special requirements

General Information

Dense shrub that grows to 15 feet tall and wide. Dull, dark-green leaves used to make tea. Features white fragrant flowers in fall when the plant is dormant. Takes full sun to partial shade.

Sunset Zones

USDA Zones

Web Link

Buy

When's the best time to buy this plant? When can you buy these from seed (if you can)? When is it usually available? What are things to look for when you're buying it? Or anything other tidbit of information you can share!

January
Buy when plant is in bloom so you can choose the desired flower color.

Plant

When's a good time to plant this plant or bulb? Any special planting instructions?

January
Plant during dormancy. Scrape the top 2-inch layer of soil off and discard before planting, as this may harbor petal blight.

Sow Seeds

When can you plant these seeds? When's the best time? Can you start them indoors and move them out? Do they have any special requirements?

Fertilize

When should you fertilize this plant? Which kind of fertilizer do you recommend? Should you use different fertilizers at different times of year?

Water

Is there a time to reduce or increase watering? Any special requirements? Things to avoid during certain times of the year?

Prune

When's a good time to prune this plant? How about deadheading, pinching back, trimming or any other grooming? Any special requirements?

January
Prune soon after flowering, as pruning later in the season may result in removing next season's flower buds. Remove crossing and dead branches.

Mulch

Does this plant need to be mulched? Are there specific types of Mulch which are better for this plant? How much?

Protect

When and how should you protect this plant from birds, deer, rabbits? Does this plant need be covered, or wrapped or painted or moved?

Pest/Disease Inspection

What are the common problems this plant will face and when should you look for them to appear?

January
Check for petal blight characterized by premature browning of flowers.

Treat for Pest/Disease

How do you treat the common problems for this plant? What products or concoctions or natural means do you use? Any special requirements?

January
Remove and dispose of diseased flowers on plant and clear all fallen buds from ground. Remove mulch and replace with a 2-inch layer of fresh mulch. Keep area clear of fallen flowers.

Transplant

When's the best time to dig up and transplant this from one spot to another? (This is different than planting). Any special requirements?

January
Transplant during dormancy. Scrape the top 2-inch layer of soil off and discard before planting, as this may harbor petal blight.

Propagate

When's a good time to divide, take cuttings, layer or propagate this plant. Any special requirements?

Harvest

When's a good time to harvest this plant? What's the best way to harvest? Are there special requirements or features?

Special requirements

Any other requirement for this plant? Is there anything that doesn't fit into the other care categories?