{"product_id":"camellia-sinensis","title":"Camellia Sinensis","description":"\u003cp class=\"product-description rte\" itemprop=\"description\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"en\" class=\"ILfuVd\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"hgKElc\"\u003eCamellia \u003cem\u003eSinensis\u003c\/em\u003e or Tea Camellia is a hardy evergreen shrub or small tree that is probably the most widely grown Camellia in the world traditionally used for caffeinated teas.  They are harvested as the leaves emerge beginning early spring and processed in different ways to create white, green, oolong, and black teas.  Smaller young leaves and leaf buds are used for making green tea, the older larger leaves for oolong and black tea, and the buds for white tea. There are two major varieties. \u003cstrong\u003eKeep in mind that this plant is best grown in zones 7-9 so it may be better as a houseplant (in the direct sun if possible) in zone 7 and move it outside in the summer months. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5 class=\"product-description rte\" itemprop=\"description\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"\u003eCare\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike many other Camellia species, it is heat and drought tolerant and can perform well in full sun. Provide acidic soil with good drainage. Water deeply, regularly during the first year to establish an extensive root system. For optimal tea production, or to control the plant size, prune to 4 to 5 feet just before spring growth. Best grown in ones 7-9. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eGrowing Habit\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSmall, fragrant white flowers bloom in fall and winter. The dense foliage takes well to pruning and is perfect for a privacy screen, foundation planting, or hedge. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eToxicity\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan class=\"ILfuVd\" lang=\"en\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"d9FyLd\" style=\"display: block;\"\u003eCamellias are relatively deer resistant. \u003cspan class=\"hgKElc\"\u003eAll parts of the plants are mildly toxic to pets. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"ETSY","offers":[{"title":"4\" Liner","offer_id":51106895134959,"sku":null,"price":24.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0573\/4904\/6465\/files\/camellia-sinensis-8942690.jpg?v=1792116426","url":"https:\/\/amgardens.com\/products\/camellia-sinensis","provider":"America's Gardens Nursery","version":"1.0","type":"link"}