Strictly speaking, “tea” refers to beverages made from the leaves of the aptly named tea plant (Camellia sinensis, Zones 6–9). What we call “herbal teas” are often not teas at all, but tisanes. This term refers to infusions made from the leaves, seeds, flowers, or fruits of any plant other than Camellia sinensis.
Sipping a cup of tea or tisane—no matter the flavor or variety—warms the heart and invites us to pause, breathe, and connect with friends, family, and different cultures all around the world. Being an avid tea and tisane drinker, I’m happy to share my personal easy-care favorites for growing a tea garden.
Tea plant
Camellia sinensis
Zones: 6–9
Size: 6 to 15 feet tall and 4 to 8 feet wide
Conditions: Full sun to partial shade; organically rich, acidic, well-drained soil
Our beloved traditional black and green teas are made from a glossy green shrub native to East Asia. It reaches up to 15 feet tall and wide in its natural environment, but in cultivation is usually maintained at an easily harvested 3 to 4 feet high and wide. In NorCal, this attractive evergreen requires afternoon shade, regular moisture, and rich, well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Feed with a handful of acid-based fertilizer in spring to keep your tea plant flourishing. Prune in early spring (after flowering, before new growth), for abundant new growth and more fresh, tender leaves for tea brewing! It is generally pest-free but occasionally troubled by aphids or whiteflies—easily controlled with a spray of insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Tisanes: Grow Your Favorite Herbal Teas in Your Garden
My absolute favorite herbal tea recipe is for a heavenly rosemary, peppermint, and lemon verbena infusion. It is a mood-boosting, stress-relieving, antioxidant-rich combo that also aids digestion. Sipping a hot cup of this richly flavored beverage is a great way to end the day, but it is also wonderful iced for a refreshing midday boost. The perfect brew calls for 1 tablespoon each of fresh rosemary, peppermint, and lemon verbena leaves, torn or muddled, and then steeped (covered) for 10 to 15 minutes in 2 cups of boiling water. Strain, pour, add a little honey to taste, plus a wedge of lemon. Absolute perfection!
Rosemary
Salvia rosmarinus syn. Rosmarinus officinalis
Zones: 8–10
Size: 2 to 6 feet tall and 2 to 4 feet wide
Conditions: Full sun; slightly acidic, dry to medium, well-drained soil
Rosemary is a versatile evergreen ornamental woody sub-shrub, full of aromatic essential oils, that comes in many shapes and sizes. All want full sun (6 to 8 hours), excellent drainage, and minimal summer water. Rosemary does not require rich soil or feeding, and tastes better and has a higher concentration of essential oils if grown in rocky, poor soils. Easy to care for, virtually pest-free, and ignored by deer and gophers, it makes an excellent addition when growing a tea garden.
Peppermint
Mentha × piperita
Zone: 5–9
Size: 1 to 2 feet tall and wide
Conditions: Full sun to partial shade; rich, well-drained, moist soil
This is an incredibly useful, vigorous, low-growing perennial herb with true green, fragrant leaves and clusters of lilac-pink flowers in summer. A wonderful addition to jellies, teas, and many savory and sweet dishes all around the world, peppermint likes full sun and rich, well-drained, evenly moist soil but can grow almost anywhere (so best in a pot). Among its many attributes, it reputedly aids digestion, calms stomachaches, and treats headaches.
Lemon verbena
Aloysia citriodora
Zones: 8–10
Size: 4 to 6 feet tall and wide
Conditions: Full sun; moist, well-drained fertile loams
The fragrant, narrow green leaves of this semi-deciduous perennial shrub add a unique flavor to baked goods, jellies, or preserves, and of course to my favorite tea! With a flavor tasting of licorice, mint, and citrus, it is quite powerful freshly harvested and a little more subtle when dried. It reaches 4 to 6 feet tall and wide in my Zone 9B (relatively frost-free) garden, with regular to light irrigation in afternoon shade.
Other Honorable Mentions for Growing a Delicious Tea Garden
Betony
Stachys officinalis
Zones: 4–8
Size: 18 to 24 inches tall and 12 to 18 inches wide
Conditions: Full sun to partial shade; average, well-drained soil
Pretty pink bloom spikes grow above a lush basal rosette of green leaves that, when brewed, bring out a slightly spicy and sweet flavor with just a hint of bitterness. This tasty tea substitute has multiple medicinal uses, such as helping with stress relief and insomnia. Grow in full sun to partial shade with regular moisture.
‘Mandarina’ lemon balm
Melissa officinalis ‘Mandarina’
Zones: 4–9
Size: 18 to 26 inches tall and 24 to 36 inches wide
Conditions: Full sun to partial shade; moist, well-drained soil
Its tender foliage, mandarin orange fragrance, and citrus taste set ‘Mandarina’ apart from regular lemon balm, making it extra wonderful in teas or salads. It is also said to combat anxiety and help with insomnia. It typically grows about 12 to 24 inches tall and wide in sun to partial shade.
Roman chamomile
Chamaemelum nobile
Zones: 4–9
Size: 3 to 6 inches tall and 6 to 12 inches wide
Conditions: Full sun to partial shade; average, well-drained soil
Roman chamomile is a leafy, fine-textured herb well-known for its relaxing, sleep-inducing properties. But did you know it also aids digestion and reduces inflammation? It makes a mild, floral, slightly sweet tea, with a smooth, fruity taste of fresh apples and is a must-have when growing a tea garden.
More information on growing herbs:
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Fionuala Campion is the owner and manager of Cottage Gardens of Petaluma, in Petaluma, California.
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