Large Leaf Tea Plant | Edible Evergreen for Homegrown Tea

Large Leaf Tea

5 Gallon

$199.00

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Large Leaf Tea

Camellia sinensis

The ornamental evergreen shrub that is the source of all true tea, suitable for home cultivation.

$199.00

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Bay Area–Based Nursery

We specialize in plants grown and delivered in their original pots and soil.
Because of their size and weight, our plants are not suitable for long-distance shipping and are delivered locally to ensure health and quality.

While delivery is limited to our local service area, we’re happy to support garden design and plant selection remotely.

For local plant professionals, we’re always glad to connect and explore ways to support your customers.

Large Leaf Tea is the very same plant that produces all non-herbal tea—green, black, white, oolong, and pu-erh. It is an elegant, evergreen shrub with glossy, leathery leaves and fragrant white flowers. While primarily cultivated for its new leaf growth (flush) which is harvested for tea production, it also makes a handsome and unique ornamental shrub. Its slow growth, dense habit, and tolerance for pruning make it suitable for hedges, containers, or as a specimen in a tea or sensory garden.

The Source of True Tea: All traditional tea (green, black, white, oolong) is made from the processed leaves and buds of this plant.
Ornamental & Functional: Features attractive, glossy foliage, fragrant fall flowers, and can be harvested for home tea-making.
Slow-Growing & Dense: Forms a compact, multi-stemmed shrub that responds well to shaping and frequent harvesting/pruning.
Acid-Loving & Deer Resistant: Requires the same acidic, well-drained soil as other camellias and is generally avoided by deer.
Unique Garden Conversation Piece: A living piece of history and culture for the curious gardener.

Knowing how we measure the size?

When browsing our plants, you may notice size terms such as Gallon, Multi, or Stand. These describe how a plant is grown, containerized, or structured at the time of sale — not just its height. Understanding these terms will help you choose the right plant for your space and expectations.

🌱 Gallon Size (Container Size)

Gallon refers to the size of the nursery container the plant is currently growing in (e.g. 1 Gallon, 5 Gallon, 15 Gallon).

A larger gallon size generally means:
- A more established root system
- A sturdier plant
- Faster visual impact after planting
Example:
- 5 Gallon: Ideal for residential gardens, easy to handle, good balance of value and maturity
- 15 Gallon: More mature, provides quicker results in the landscape

Note: Gallon size does not guarantee a specific height, as growth varies by species.

🌳 Multi (Multi-Trunk / Multi-Branch Form)

Multi indicates the plant has multiple trunks or main stems growing from the base.

Commonly used for:
- Ornamental trees
- Feature plants
- Japanese maples, olives, crepe myrtles, etc.
Why choose Multi:
- Fuller, more sculptural appearance
- Strong visual presence even at younger ages
- Popular for design-focused landscapes

🌲 Stand (Single-Trunk / Standard Form)

Stand (short for Standard) refers to a single, dominant trunk with a raised or naturally formed canopy.

Commonly used for:
- Shade trees
- Street trees
- Orchard and structural plantings
Why choose Stand:
- Clean, classic tree form
- Easier clearance for walkways and lawns
- Preferred for long-term structure and uniformity

🌿 Choosing the Right Size

If you want instant impact → larger Gallon, Multi form
If you want long-term structure → Stand form
If you want flexibility and value → mid-size Gallon containers

If you’re unsure which size or form fits your project, our team is happy to help you select the best option based on your space, timeline, and design goals.

Features:Large, leathery oblong leaves with prominent veins and serrated edges in deep green. Fragrant white flowers with golden stamens bloom in fall/winter. Slow-growing evergreen shrub/tree with ornamental bark texture.
Mature Height: 5–15 ft
Mature Width: 4–12 ft
Growth Rate: Slow
Light Needs: Dappled shade to partial sun
Key Advantages:Edible foliage (tea production),Deer resistant,Winter blooming,Acid soil specialist
Soil Requirement: Well-drained sandy loam (pH 4.5–6.0)
Tea Production:Leaves harvested in early spring for Green tea (unoxidized),Oolong tea (partially oxidized),Black tea (fully oxidized)

Q: Can I really make tea from my own plant?
A: Yes! To make green tea, harvest the newest, youngest leaves and buds in spring, steam or pan-fry them to stop oxidation, then dry. For black tea, wilt the leaves, roll them to bruise, allow them to fully oxidize (turn dark), then dry. The process defines the tea type.

Q: What are its growing requirements?
A: It thrives in conditions similar to camellias: partial shade (morning sun/afternoon shade ideal), acidic, well-drained soil, and consistent moisture. It is less cold-hardy than many ornamental camellias, tolerating temperatures down to about 20°F (Zone 8). In Zone 9a, it is generally suitable but benefits from frost protection.