Camellia sinensis var assamica

C. sinensis var assamica, or what we call "assam-type", often take more of a tree- than shrub-form with large, dark green leaves.  Vigorous growth provides abundant tips to harvest from and make excellent black teas.  This variety of tea has origins in Yunnan, China and northern India which are mild climates so this plant is not very cold hardy. There are reports of 50 foot trees growing in the wilds of Yunnan. In Zone 7b, these plants will appreciate some protection from cold weather. We do grow these outdoors but the plants have frozen to ground level several times in the last 15 years. They sprout from the base and quickly reach 4' tall.

Zones 8-9
Leaf size: Large (5"+)