Position
Grow in full sun to partial shade. Purple Tea performs best in warm, humid climates with protection from strong afternoon sun in very hot regions and shelter from drying winds.
Size
Typically grows 2–4 m high and 1.5–3 m wide if left unpruned. Regular pruning keeps plants at 1–1.5 m making harvesting easier.
Typically grows 2–4 m high and 1.5–3 m wide if left unpruned. Regular pruning keeps plants at 1–1.5 m making harvesting easier.
Soil Type
Prefers deep, well-drained, fertile, acidic soil with a pH of 4.5–5.5. Avoid alkaline, waterlogged, or heavy clay soils. The soil required is very acidic: we recommend adding a bag of Acid Compost (from any nursery) as well as Lithuanian Peat Moss. Peat moss is absolutely essential to reduce the pH to this level.
Prefers deep, well-drained, fertile, acidic soil with a pH of 4.5–5.5. Avoid alkaline, waterlogged, or heavy clay soils. The soil required is very acidic: we recommend adding a bag of Acid Compost (from any nursery) as well as Lithuanian Peat Moss. Peat moss is absolutely essential to reduce the pH to this level.
Adding half a bag of our Volcanic Rock Dust (R25 per bag) and a bag of Superfrass (R25 per bag) at planting time helps replenish essential minerals and nutrients in the soil, encourages vigorous growth, and provides natural protection against root-feeding insects.
Watering
Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods. Do not allow the soil to dry out completely or remain waterlogged.
Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods. Do not allow the soil to dry out completely or remain waterlogged.
Mulch
Apply a 5–10 cm layer of Pine Bark Mulch around the base to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain soil acidity. Keep mulch away from the trunk.
Apply a 5–10 cm layer of Pine Bark Mulch around the base to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain soil acidity. Keep mulch away from the trunk.
Fertilising
Feed in spring and summer with an acid-loving plant fertiliser or a balanced slow-release fertiliser. Apply 3 teaspoon every 4-5 months of our slow-release nitrogen-rich all plant fertiliser.
Feed in spring and summer with an acid-loving plant fertiliser or a balanced slow-release fertiliser. Apply 3 teaspoon every 4-5 months of our slow-release nitrogen-rich all plant fertiliser.
Pruning
Prune after harvesting to maintain a compact, bushy shape and encourage fresh new shoots. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches as needed.
Prune after harvesting to maintain a compact, bushy shape and encourage fresh new shoots. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches as needed.
Harvesting
Harvest the young terminal bud and the first two to three leaves when new growth is soft and tender. Regular picking encourages continuous flushes of fresh leaves throughout the growing season.
Harvest the young terminal bud and the first two to three leaves when new growth is soft and tender. Regular picking encourages continuous flushes of fresh leaves throughout the growing season.
Pests & Diseases
Generally hardy but may be affected by aphids, scale insects, mites, caterpillars, and tea mosquito bugs. Root rot can occur in poorly drained soils, while fungal leaf spots may develop in humid conditions with poor air circulation. Good drainage and regular monitoring help prevent most problems.
Generally hardy but may be affected by aphids, scale insects, mites, caterpillars, and tea mosquito bugs. Root rot can occur in poorly drained soils, while fungal leaf spots may develop in humid conditions with poor air circulation. Good drainage and regular monitoring help prevent most problems.
Apply agricultural Neem Oil or Effective Microorganisms (EM Control) as part of a preventative care program to help protect plants from common pests and diseases.
