Duo of shrubs for tea and yerba mate

This duo of Tea Plants brings together Camellia sinensis Théojardin and Ilex paraguariensis Garden2cup, two large evergreen shrubs known for the infusions made from their dried or roasted leaves. Growing them in large pots limits their growth and protects them from severe frost in winter. The leaves will be harvested from well-developed plants after 3 or 4 years of cultivation. In the era of "homemade", these plants allow enthusiasts to produce their own tea and maté.

The duo consists of:

- 1 Camellia sinensis Théojardin: a variety selected for the aroma of its leaves. This shrub, related to camellias, can reach a height of 2.50 m and a spread of 1 m in open ground. It has shiny dark green leaves that persist throughout the year. Its simple and modest white flowers with a yellow stamen heart, bloom from October to December. It is a plant for acid soil in a mild and humid oceanic climate. Hardiness: -10 °C (at its lowest) in open ground for a mature plant.

- 1 Ilex paraguariensis Garden2cup: a holly native to South America. It is a large evergreen shrub or small tree with tough, dark green leaves. Its discreet spring flowering is followed by the formation of small purple berries. In favourable conditions and in open ground, it can reach a height of 4.50 m and a spread of 2.50 m. Its hardiness does not exceed -8 °C at the lowest for a mature plant in open ground.

Cultivation advice:

These two shrubs thrive in partial shade (no direct sunlight) in a rich, non-calcareous, well-drained soil that does not dry out but is not constantly waterlogged. Also, be careful of drafts and wind. They are cultivated somewhat like camellias and rhododendrons, but they prefer more warmth and are less resistant to cold. Choose pots or containers of sufficient volume (at least 30 litres) with several holes at the bottom. Create a drainage layer using clay balls. Use a mixture of ericaceous soil and high-quality horticultural compost. Water with rainwater if tap water is hard in your area. Use a UAB fertiliser for acid-loving plants.

Although they can withstand negative temperatures, these tea plants will thrive much better if the temperature does not stray much below 20°C. This temperature is roughly equivalent to their original environment. We recommend protecting the shrubs well in winter if you place them outdoors. If grown in containers, they should be overwintered in a conservatory or a slightly heated greenhouse with not too dry air.