Exotic : Chinese Tea Plant (Camellia sinansis)

Hardy Shrub

• Flowers in : August to October
• Germination : Challenging
• Aftercare : Particular Care Required
• Ideal for : Borders
• Height : 20 feet

Description

Dried leaves are used to make the popular beverage. In the garden, this makes a fine shrub with lush foliage and cup-shaped, fragrant blooms.

Sowing Instructions

Sow at any time of year.Sow seed 1cm (½in) deep in pots or trays of soil-based potting mix. After sowing, seal container inside a polythene bag and place in a cold frame or sheltered part of the garden. Check regularly and ensure compost does not dry out. Germination can take 1-6 months.

Growing Instructions

When large enough to handle, transplant seedlings into 7.5cm (3in) pots of soil-based potting mix and grow on over winter in a cool, well-lit position such as a cold frame.

Aftercare

Plant out the following spring, 1.2-1.5m (4-5ft) apart in moist, but well drained soil in full sun.

Remove faded flowers after blooming, and trim back growth as required.