Camellia sinensis ThéOjardin

Camellia sinensis Theojardin is a variety of Tea bush, delicately aromatic, which has been the subject of numerous organoleptic (sensory) tests. Its leaves will satisfy even the most demanding homemade tea enthusiasts. This shrub or small tree has a bushy habit and bears glossy green leaves that persist throughout the year. Its flowers, simple and modest, white with a yellow stamen heart, bloom throughout the autumn. It is a semi-hardy ericaceous plant and thrives in a mild and humid oceanic climate. Rustic and discreetly exotic, it is charming as a solitary plant in the garden or in a container, or even in a flowering hedge.

Camellia sinensis Theojardin belongs to the tea family (Theaceae). The wild species is native to southern China. It is widely cultivated for its foliage which is highly aromatic after fermentation, in mountainous areas of tropical Asia, Japan, and other parts of the world with a mild and humid climate. This plant forms an erect and bushy shrub, with relatively slow growth, reaching over 10 m (33 ft) in its natural habitat, but rarely exceeding 2.50 m (8 ft) in European climates. Flowering occurs from October to December. The flowers, measuring 2.5 to 4 cm (1 to 1.6 in) in diameter, are simple, composed of 5 green and persistent sepals, and 5 to 8 pale yellow to white petals surrounding a large yellow stamen heart. They are solitary or in groups of 3 or 4. The dense and evergreen foliage consists of ovate leaves, slightly dentate on the edges, and glossy. Flowering is followed by the formation of loculicidal capsules measuring between 1.5 and 3 cm (1.2 in) in diameter.

Different teas are obtained through specific processing of Camellia sinensis leaves (green tea, white tea, black tea, smoked tea, etc.)

A hardy bush in its natural environment - at high altitudes, where temperatures can sometimes drop below zero - Camellia sinensis is a robust plant capable of withstanding temperatures as low as -10°C for a short period. It should be kept in mind that its preferred climate is temperate and oceanic i.e. rather mild, quite humid, cloudy, and with low temperature variations between seasons. Where such conditions do not exist it should be placed in a sheltered position during winter and protected from scorching sun in summer.

The Theojardin tea plant suits all styles of garden - cottage, Japanese, or wild - as long as the soil is acidic. Planted in an informal hedge alongside rhododendrons or andromedas, this bush will add volume and its beautiful evergreen foliage will provide a screen throughout the year. When planted alone, Camellia sinensis will benefit from being surrounded by flowering perennials such as heathers, meadowsweets, Japanese irises, or lithodoras which bloom before or after it, for long-lasting colour. Cultivation in a large pot is entirely possible on a terrace or balcony sheltered from direct sunlight. In winter it will be necessary to protect the plant and the pot from severe frosts and icy winds.