Large Leaf Tea is a distinguished evergreen shrub known as Camellia sinensis var. assamica, prized for its exceptional tea production and striking ornamental presence. This tetraploid cultivar produces impressively large leaves up to 6 inches long with pronounced serrated edges, creating a vigorous multi-trunked tree that reaches 15 feet if left unpruned. Hardy in zones 7-10, it thrives in partial shade with low water needs, making it perfect for maritime climates where it can be harvested from May through August.
10
Partial Shade
Low
7-10
180in H x ?in W
—
High
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The defining feature of this cultivar lies in its remarkably large, thick, dark green leaves that can stretch up to 6 inches long and 3 inches wide, setting it apart from typical tea varieties. Its vigorous growth habit produces a beautiful multi-trunked specimen that serves double duty as both a productive tea plant and an attractive evergreen landscape feature. The tetraploid genetics contribute to superior tea yield, while the substantial leaf size makes harvesting more efficient than smaller-leafed varieties.
The tender young shoots with 2-3 leaves are harvested for tea production, processed either into green tea through steaming and drying, or allowed to ferment for black tea. The leaves can be steamed briefly in a vegetable steamer, roasted in a hot cast iron skillet for the traditional 'sha qing' process, then dried in a low oven to create homegrown green tea. Beyond beverage production, this evergreen shrub serves as an attractive landscape plant in maritime climates.
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Allow new plants a few days to gradually acclimate to full exposure before planting. Select a location with well-drained soil and space plants 5-8 feet apart for landscape use or closer for intensive tea production.
Harvest tender young shoots with 2-3 leaves from May through August. Pick shoots when they're fresh and young for the best tea quality, allowing any surface moisture to dry in the shade for up to a few hours before processing.
This vigorous grower can reach 15 feet tall if left unpruned, but regular pruning maintains it as a smaller, more manageable shrub that facilitates easier harvesting of the tender young shoots.
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