The Plant That Sparked a Revolution Before it was poured into a teacup, it was a plant. Every cup of black, green, white, or oolong tea begins with the leaves of a single evergreen shrub called Camellia sinensis. While millions
The Season of the Camellia: It’s Not What You Think
In mid to late winter, when camellias are at their showiest, I often find myself feeling a little sad that the season is winding down. At the very same time, most people are just beginning to admire them and assume
Growing Your Own Tea
What are Tea Plants? Tea plants are evergreen plants that are members of the Camellia family. The plant species used for tea production is Camellia sinensis. Can any camellia produce tea? While it is possible to produce tea from the
The Art of Camellia Waxing
One of my very favorite parts of Camellia season is Waxing Camellias. I attended a Waxing Demonstration in the late 1990’s at Massee Lane Gardens in Fort Valley, Georgia, and from that moment on, I was hooked! Over the years,
Camellia Japonica vs. Sasanqua: Which Is Right for Your Garden?
Camellias are iconic plants in Southern gardens, bringing evergreen structure and reliable seasonal color. When choosing one for your landscape, you’ll usually see two main types: Camellia japonica and Camellia sasanqua. Both are beautiful, but they behave very differently. Understanding
It Started with A Seed ~ A Tea Journey
Finding My Passion in Tea I believe everyone has a passion—something that drives you, motivates you, and keeps you engaged. For some, it’s baking, sewing, watching movies, or dining out. For me, it’s always been gardening. I’ve been growing plants
Making Healthy Choices – Benefits of Tea
Tea & Health: Nature’s Cup of Wellness (Camellia sinensis – True Tea) For thousands of years, tea has been celebrated not just for its flavor, but for the way it supports well-being. All true teas — white, green, oolong, black,
5 Things To Consider When Adding Camellias To Your Landscape
Camellias make an attractive plant for almost any garden. They adorn the garden and our tables throughout Camellia season with beautiful flowers. Here are a few things you may want to consider when adding Camellias to your garden. Choose the
Identifying Camellias
Becoming a Camellia Detective Camellias first found their way to the South in the late 1700s, settling into the gardens of Southern plantations. No one seems to agree on the exact date the first one arrived in America — several
Camellia Sinensis FAQS
What are Tea Plants? Tea plants are evergreen plants that are members of the Camellia family. The plant species used for tea production is Camellia sinensis. Can any camellia produce tea? While it is possible to produce tea from the
Tea In America
Tea, a beverage loved and cherished by millions around the world, has a fascinating history that spans over 5000 years. Like all camellias, Tea is not native to America. It originated in China, and it is here that the legend of Tea began.
Growing Camellias From Seed
Camellias can be propagated asexually through grafting, rooting, or air-layering. These methods typically produce exact replicas of the original plant. In contrast, when camellias are grown from seed, the results are unpredictable. While a small number of new camellia varieties
