The editor answers for the netizens why American tea is not easy to grow domestically, the analysis of the reasons, and the knowledge of planting flowers and plants, such as the correct planting method of American tea. Next, the editor will introduce it.
Many people see the romantic and charming American tea (Rhamnaceae, American tea plant) promoted on the internet and want to plant one on their balcony or in their garden, but after actual planting, they find that this plant is difficult to thrive.
American tea is a shrub native to North America, growing up to 50-100 centimeters or more, with many fine branches and a very developed root system, generally suitable for ground planting, and pot cultivation is also fine if managed properly. In its native habitat, its plants can grow very large.
1. Why is it difficult to grow domestically?
Before planting American tea, it is necessary to understand that it is not a very suitable shrub for domestic conditions because it is afraid of excessive heat in the summer and humidity, preferring a cool and dry summer (and a mild and humid winter). This is why most gardening enthusiasts in our country cannot grow this plant well, and it is normal for this exotic plant to not thrive domestically.
American tea prefers the Mediterranean climate, which is mild and humid in winter and cool and dry in summer. If you have such climatic conditions, you can also grow American tea well.
2. Varieties
The most charming feature of American tea is its abundant blue flowers, with some white and pink varieties (including cold-resistant, evergreen, and deciduous types). This large shrub is relatively easy to grow in the UK and most of Europe because the summers are cooler (except this year). American tea plants grow compactly and are very prone to producing small branches, and there are many horticultural varieties.
Why is American tea not easy to grow domestically?
3. Light
Caring for potted American tea requires ample light, and it can survive in semi-shade, but the flowering amount will decrease, or it may not flower at all (blooms from May to June). It can be planted under a south-facing wall to allow for ample growth space, and smaller varieties of American tea are more suitable for large flower pots. Of course, if you have a cool summer environment, that would be the best.
If you are growing American tea, it's best to prepare a "backup" in advance. In spring and autumn, you can use semi-woody branches for cutting to cultivate more potted seedlings, which makes it easier to survive the summer.
4. Soil
Planting American tea requires fertile and loose soil, generally needing to choose neutral or slightly alkaline soil to avoid excessive acidity and ensure good drainage. It's also a good idea to add some slow-release fertilizer when planting.
5. Acclimatization
After bringing the potted American tea home, keep it in a well-ventilated and shaded place for 4-5 days, water it thoroughly when the potting soil is completely dry, and once it has adapted to the new environment, you can repot it with soil. For ground planting, just water it regularly in the early stages and supplement water during prolonged dry periods.
American tea blooms in spring and early summer, and after flowering, it should be pruned promptly. The pruning technique is very simple: just cut off about half of the branches, and the cut branches are very suitable for propagation through cuttings.
Tip:
In our country, if you want to grow flowering shrubs with blue flowers, you can choose Plumbago auriculata, or white flowers like white Plumbago, or even red Plumbago, all of which are better than growing American tea. Choosing plants suitable for local climatic conditions is the most reasonable.
The above sharing about why American tea is not easy to grow domestically, the analysis of reasons, and the specific introduction of the correct planting method of American tea, hoping everyone will like it!