Teatime with Camellias

While researching Camellias that will do well in Florida landscapes, I stumbled upon Camellia

sinensis (Common name: Tea). Often not recognized as a Camellia, Camellia sinensis is not known for its blooms but rather its leaves. All six major tea types: green, black, oolong, white, yellow, and dark, come from Camellia sinensiss, and will grow in Florida landscapes.

The two most common for tea production are Camellia sinensis var. sinensis (China type) and

Camellia sinensis var. assamica (Assam type). The leaves on the China type are small, dark green, elliptical in shape with serrated veining. The Assam type has larger green leaves with less serrated margins.

The Camellia sinensis prefers fertile, well-drained soil, high in organic matter with a pH between 5.0 and 6.5. Mulching will retain soil moisture, reduce weeds, and improve the soil near the surface. Keep plants in pots in the shade and gradually introduce plants to sunlight until they are big enough to withstand full sun, usually 1 – 1 1⁄2 years. You can plant them in partial shade, but the tea quality will be better and more robust if grown in full sun. It is best to plant them in the ground from November to February so the roots can become established before the heat of the summer. Water plants regularly until established and then rainfall alone should suffice except for in drought conditions.

When growing Camellia sinensis for the purpose of harvesting their leaves to process tea, keep plants pruned to encourage growth outward (bushy) and not upward. Keeping plants no higher than waist level will make plucking much easier. Two to 3 leaves plus buds on the end of the stem are used to make tea. Only the terminal buds are usually used when making White and Yellow teas. The first flush is normally ready to pluck in early April and after plucking will be ready with new growth in just a few weeks. Normally, leaves can be harvested 4 or 5 times during the growing season. Prune plants heavily around December to get ready for the next growing season.

How the tea leaves are processed determines the type of tea it becomes. The craft of making tea does not include external ingredients but rather carefully timed processes such as: withering, bruising, rolling, fixing, fermenting, and drying. The art of crafting tea is complex and subtle differences in temperature, moisture content, age of the tea leaves, and timing all have a profound effect on the finished product. Learning the art of making tea takes time, patience, and the willingness to experiment.

The best way to learn a new craft is to research and learn from those who have mastered their craft. I was excited to find such an expert just a short road trip away in Fairhope, Alabama. Donnie Barrett learned his craft by visiting tea farms in China and has been crafting tea for over 44 years. Donnie has cloned thousands of tea plants from three Camellia sinensis plants rescued from a burn pile left at the end of a Lipton Tea experiment that concluded in 1979 in Fairhope, Alabama.

I had the pleasure of meeting with Donnie and enjoyed a wonderful cup of tea, toured his tea plantation, and learned a great deal about the art of making tea.

Unlike other Camellias, the Camellia sinensis is not known for its beautiful blooms but for its leaves. All major tea types come from the leaves and buds of the Camellia sinensis.

Fresh tea grown and crafted by you is sure to be both satisfying and priceless, bringing tea time to a whole new level of enjoyment.

For further information:

https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/HS30

The History and Symbolism of the Magnolia Tree

Recently in our Master Gardener intern class I presented information about the Southern Magnolia tree. During my research, I was intrigued by the history of this beautiful and captivating tree. Magnolias evolved on Earth as far back as 95 million years ago during the Cretaceous period making the Magnolia the first known flowering plant.

At this time bees were not in existence, therefore Magnolias evolved to be pollinated by

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prehistoric insects. Today we know them as beetles. The genus name was given to the Magnolia tree and family Magnoliaceae in 1703 by Charles Plumier, who wanted to honor Pierre Magol’s botanical work.

Magnolia trees have held a prominent role in both Asian and Western cultures. The history of

Magnolias and their symbolism can be traced back to ancient civilizations. The flower is deeply blended with cultural, religious and botanical significance. The flowers from the Magnolia trees have long been regarded as a symbol of purity, beauty and femininity.

They often embody the passing nature of life in the cycle of birth and death. The Magnolia's splendor and grace often draws authors and poets to evoke a sense of sentimentality.

In various countries, they have been named as national flowers. They have been used in ancient rituals by using the flowers or branches in ceremonies to influence fertility, spiritual cleansing and purification. The Chinese believed that the flowers held medicinal properties and they used them to treat many ailments. In Ayurvedic medicine the bark of a magnolia tree was used for calming the mind and body.

In the American South, the Southern Magnolia is known for its beauty and hospitality. Its exquisite, large and aromatic blossoms symbolize the warm and welcoming nature of what we call southern hospitality.

Furthermore, in America Magnolias have become part of traditions for celebrations like weddings. In Western culture, they are associated with love, purity and innocence. You will often see the magnolia flower used in decorations and bouquets for a wedding. It is used to

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symbolize the purity and beauty of the bride.

The captivation a Magnolia tree brings with its exquisite and meaningful flowers is awe inspiring. If you love them like I do, it will leave a lasting impression because of its sheer beauty. So, the next time you see one, remember all these interesting facts and symbolizations and you will have a deeper appreciation for its beauty.

References:

https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ST371

https://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/pubs/misc/ag_654/volume_2/magnolia/grandiflora.htm

https://mortonarb.org/plant-and-protect/tree-plant-care/plant-care-resources/magnolia-scaleneolecanium-cornuparvum/https://www.magnoliasociety.org/Read

About Magnolias

Koeser, A. K., Hasing, G., Friedman, M. H., and Irving, R. B. 2015. Trees: North & Central Florida. University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.

Naked Ladies!

Naked Ladies is just one of the names of the lily, Lycoris. Other names are: Surprise lily,

Magic lily, Resurrection Lily, and Red Spider lily. The flowers appear on their

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own in late summer, just a bare stalk with a beautiful flower on top, no leaves...hence “naked” ladies. Another name is Hurricane lily because the flowers often come up after a good hard rain or a hurricane. Whatever you call them, these lilies are long-living. Many times

you can see them in Northwest Florida along the side of

the road where a home used to be. The home is long gone, but the lily returns each year.

After the late summer flower fades, the monkey grass-like leaves will emerge and last throughout the winter. The leaves will eventually die down in the summer heat.

Plant the various Lycoris bulbs in the summer in a partly sunny location in moist, well-drained soil.

Resource: https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/ornamentals/

hurricane-lily