Camellia tsaii

Camellia tsaii is a botanical variety close to the Asian Tea plant, with both its foliage and flowers having ornamental value. Its elongated and narrow leaves have a beautiful dark green colour with a glossy texture, and turn bronze-brown in winter. The flowers, although small in size, are abundant and appear from late February and last for about 2 months. Fragrant and decorative, they have a cluster of yellow-tipped stamens. A beautiful bush for mild and humid climates, where it thrives under moderate sunlight or partial shade in warmer conditions. It requires a non-calcareous, moist soil and should be planted in a sheltered location away from the wind.

Camellia tsaii belongs to the Theaceae family, which includes around ten or twenty genera depending on the classification, with the most well-known in ornamental gardens being the Camellia. The most economically important species is the Camellia sinensis, which is used for tea production. Camellia tsai is a species close to the Tea plant, native to Yunnan (a province in southern China with a predominantly subtropical climate, but with different climates coexisting), northern Vietnam, and Myanmar (Burma). It is found at altitudes of 1500 to 2600 m (4900 to 8500 ft), growing in evergreen forests and thickets. In these climates it forms a large evergreen bush or a small tree, reaching heights of 7 to 8 m (23 to 26 ft). The species was named in 1938 by the botanist Hu and introduced to France in 1976.

Camellia tsaii will thrive in mild and humid climates. Typically forming a medium-sized bush, approximately 2.50 m (8 ft) in all directions, it can reach heights of 3 to 5 m (10 to 16 ft) under favourable growing conditions. Its dense branching is slightly trailing, giving it a natural and delicate appearance. The leaves are elongated, measuring 8 to 10 cm (3 to 4 in) in length and 2 to 3 cm (0.8 to 1.2 in) in width, with a pointed tip. They have a dark green colour with a glossy texture, undulating margins, and finely toothed edges, carried by a short petiole. Very decorative, this foliage can resemble certain indoor Ficus plants and takes on bronze tones, especially in winter.

The single flowers appear from late February to April, either solitary or paired. The corolla is composed of 5 petals of immaculate whiteness, with an approximate diameter of 4 cm. From the centre a cluster of white filaments with yellow tips emerges, giving depth to the flower. Fragrant and abundant, the flowers create a beautiful spectacle heralding spring. Their colour forms a lovely contrast with the dark foliage, evoking a sense of romance. Despite its geographical origin, this Camellia is relatively hardy, tolerating temperatures down to -12°C once mature.

As an ornamental bush the Camellia tsaii is attractive for its habit, foliage, and winter flowering. It will thrive in a natural garden setting. You can plant it alongside other plants that prefer acidic and moist soil, such as the Itea ilicifolia, a rarely seen evergreen shrub with foliage resembling holly, which produces astonishing summer blooms in the form of long spikes of small yellow flowers. The delicately scented white winter flowers of Sarcococca orientalis will precede the Camellia's and provide a companion fragrance. To complete the picture, a few clumps of Black Anemone Oriental Hellebore will add a touch of dark colour, or Green Anemone, with its charming anise green flowers.