Description

Produces a rich display of dense foliage and small, single, white to cream flowers with yellow centres (Poached eggs). It is a hardy, long living, spreading shrub that likes acidic soil. It looks great in a feature pot and also makes a wonderful hedge or espalier.

Growing the Tea Plant in the Home Garden

In the home garden enthusiasts can grow their own tea plant. They require the same conditions as other species, a deep humus rich soil, moist and a reasonably cool climate. It is the small new leaves that are picked to dry and make tea.

The leaves need to be picked when young to produce the highest quality tea.

Tea plants are best grown in a frost free position so that the new, delicate young leaves are not damaged by frosts.

In most home gardens the best position in in dappled shade, this provides some protection from frosts as well as protection from the hot sun, which can burn the new leaves.

Height to 4m if not hedged or pruned. Best kept at 1mtr for harvesting.