Tea plant Camellia sinensis
Tea plant (Camellia sinensis) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Theaceae family, native to SW China and northern Myanmar (montane forest). It grows 1.5–4 m (4.9–13 ft) tall and 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -15 °C (5 °F). Space plants about 1.2 m (3.9 ft) apart.
Plan Tea plant in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Tea plant at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Theaceae |
| Mature height | 1.5–4 m (4.9–13 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft) |
| Spacing | 1.2 m (3.9 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 4.5–6 |
| Cold hardiness | About -15 °C (5 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 7) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 33 °C (91 °F) |
| Flowering | from about October for 6–11 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: young leaves and buds (tea) |
| Native to | SW China and northern Myanmar (montane forest) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇨🇳 China, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom |
Is Tea plant toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: leaves
Caffeine in the leaves can upset pets that chew large amounts.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Tea plant
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Keep apart or take care
- caution With English lavender: Acid-loving plants need pH 4.5–5.5, lavender prefers neutral to alkaline soil; one bed cannot suit both. Evidence B
See Tea plant in a botanical garden
It grows in these sample gardens, which you can walk through in 3D:
- Missouri Botanical Garden (3 plants)
- Kew: glasshouses and rock garden (6 plants)
Questions about Tea plant
- How far apart should I plant Tea plant?
- About 1.2 m (3.9 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft).
- Does Tea plant need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Tea plant need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Tea plant?
- It tolerates about -15 °C (5 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 7.
- When does Tea plant flower?
- From about October for 6–11 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Tea plant poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Caffeine in the leaves can upset pets that chew large amounts.
- What grows well with Tea plant?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Tea plant. Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- EcoCrop crop environmental requirements, FAO
Notes and assumptions
- Needs acid (ericaceous) soil; hardier than often thought and grown outdoors in Cornwall and Scotland.
- Flowers in autumn.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Camellia Camellia japonica
- Sasanqua camellia Camellia sasanqua
- Japanese stewartia Stewartia pseudocamellia
- Yunnan camellia Camellia reticulata
- Bigleaf hydrangea Hydrangea macrophylla
- Rhododendron Rhododendron
- Boxwood Buxus sempervirens
- Oleander Nerium oleander