Brew-tea-ful™ Tea Camellia performs best in well-draining, acidic soil with a pH of 4–5.5. It can be grown in full sun or part shade. 

All the varieties in the Bushel and Berry® collection will thrive in patio pots, edible gardens, or in the landscape for years of enjoyment.  We recommend planting this variety in a large container, 12–16” in diameter to give the plant room to grow. 

For help harvesting and making your own tea, view our tea-brewing tips here. 

Plant In Container

  1. Choose a container (12–16” in diameter and at least 10” deep is ideal). 

  2. Fill ⅔ of the container with regular potting soil. Mix in a soil acidifier or use a high acid potting soil. Follow product instructions. 

  3. Add plant to pot, gently loosening the roots of the plant.  

  4. Fill in soil around plant with regular potting soil. 

  5. Place plant in a spot that receives full or partial sun.  

  6. Water the plant frequently, ensuring it stays moist but not overwatered. 

Plant IN GROUND

  1. Pick a spot that receives full or partial sun during the day. 

  2. Dig a hole slightly larger than the container. Work the soil at the bottom of the hole with your shovel so that it’s loose and aerated. 

  3. If your soil has a higher pH than 4–5.5, you will want to incorporate acidic soil or use a soil acidifier to lower the pH level. 

  4. Remove the plant from its container. Use your hands to gently loosen the roots at the bottom of the plant. 

  5. Place your plant in the hole, ensuring that the base of it is level with the soil. 

  6. Add soil back to the hole around the plant. Crumble the soil so that it’s nice and aerated. If desired, mulch around the plant. 

  7. Water your plant thoroughly around the base, allowing it to soak in. Continue to water 2–3 times a week, ensuring that the plant stays moist but not overwatered. 

FERTILIZING

Fertilizing Brew-tea-ful™ is not necessary for it to grow, but it can help your plant thrive. An acidic fertilizer in early and late spring is ideal. Look for fertilizers such as rhododendron or azalea formulations, and either granular or liquid fertilizers. Be sure to follow the product label instructions carefully. 

WATERING

The amount of water your plant needs will depend on your climate. In general, make sure the plant has consistent moisture but isn’t overwatered. This usually means watering 2–3 times a week for plants in the landscape, and every 1–2 days if it’s in a container.  

Tip: Remember, plants and their roots in patio pots dry out faster than plants in-ground, especially on warm summer days. A good way to gauge your watering is to water until you see runoff coming out of the drainage holes. 

PRUNING

A light, annual pruning can help keep your Tea Camellia healthy and tidy. If pruning, the best time is late winter/early spring. Dead or damaged branches can be removed any time. 

WINTER CARE

Brew-tea-ful™ is hardy in zones 7–9 and can be grown outdoors year-round in those regions. However, this plant can be grown in a container outside of its hardiness zones and overwintered indoors.  

Before your first frost date (average date when temperatures reach 32° F), move your tea plant inside where the temperature remains between 40–50°F. Placing your plant near a window is a good spot. While Tea Camellia plants need a period of dormancy in order to flower the following season, they are an evergreen plant and will not lose their leaves. Continue to water your plant regularly through the winter, being careful not to overwater or let it dry out. After the frost-free date in your area, you can return your Tea Camellia to an outdoor location and continue growing all summer.