How to Grow and Care for the New Jersey Tea Plant

Ceanothus americanus, sometimes known as New Jersey tea plant, is a deciduous shrub that is endemic to North America. Also called mountain snowbell, it is ideally planted in early April, after all danger of frost has passed, to ensure a successful bloom. The erect plant has long woody stems with serrated, dark green leaves (which may or may not have hair on their undersides) and clusters of small, fragrant white flowers at the ends of the stalks in the spring.

Growing at a modest rate, New Jersey tea will ultimately reach a mature height of 3 to 4 feet after roughly two seasons. It is a member of the Rhamnaceae (buckthorn) family of plants. During the American Revolution, the distinctive name of the plant was given to it. Tea was in short supply at the time (after all, levies on imported tea contributed to the outbreak of the war), so the leaves of this shrub were used to make a beverage that was similar to tea. It is also possible to dye using the plant’s blooms and roots, which may be found in the wild.

New Jersey Tea Plant Care

If you’re looking for an eye-catching flowering shrub that will complement your environment, go no further than New Jersey tea. Flowers are small and delicate on this medium-sized plant, which blooms in late spring and early summer. The plant also offers rich green foliage that will brighten your landscape for the remainder of the season.

The plant is an excellent option for usage in a wildlife-friendly garden since hummingbirds, as well as numerous types of butterflies and moths, are drawn to the shrub on a regular basis. The fact that New Jersey tea has broad, powerful roots allows it to withstand times of drought and is a suitable option for soils that are sandy or rocky. Transplantation, on the other hand, might be challenging due to the presence of such roots; thus, relocate the plant when it is still young (if required) for the greatest outcomes.

Planting seeds, splitting plants, or taking cuttings from an established shrub are all methods of propagation for new plants to grow. Prior to sowing, seeds should be stratified (put in cold storage) and scarified (the outer seed coat should be cracked apart a bit) to increase the likelihood of germination.

Light, Soil & Water Requirements

The optimum location for New Jersey tea plants is one that receives direct sunlight throughout the day. However, if the plant is being grown in a location that is very hot or dry throughout the summer, it will be able to take some partial shade. Finally, you should try to locate your New Jersey tea plantation in an area where it will get at least six to eight hours of direct sunshine every day.

In order to get the greatest results, your New Jersey tea should be planted in a soil mixture that is sandy, loamy, and well-draining. The plant also prefers a pH level that is somewhat acidic. The good news is that although New Jersey tea is quite tolerant of a wide range of soil types, the most essential thing to consider when selecting a planting place is sufficient drainage. Wet feet are not tolerated by the plant, and it is very prone to root rot.

During the first few months of its life, you should water your New Jersey tea plant consistently—at least once a week, if not more in very hot or dry conditions. It will become drought-tolerant once established as a result of the plant’s extensive taproot system.

Fertilizer, Temperature and Humidity Level

In addition to being planted in the appropriate USDA hardiness zones, New Jersey tea plants do not have any extra temperature or humidity needs as long as they are grown in these areas. In addition to being heat and drought resilient, they can also endure temperatures below freezing, but they will almost definitely stop blooming.

For optimal results, fertilize your New Jersey tea plant for at least the first few years after it has been planted in your landscape, during which time it will get established. Use a well-balanced, slow-release mix to accomplish this at the start of the autumn season. As soon as the plant has been established, it should no longer need fertilizer. However, if you observe that it is failing to produce flowers, you may continue to feed it.

Pruning New Jersey Tea Plant

While growing and becoming established, this shrub develops suckers, which should be removed as soon as possible if you do not want the plant to become a nuisance in your yard. If you are seeking to rapidly populate a wildlife or native garden, the inclusion of suckers may really be a beneficial characteristic to have.

Except for that, your New Jersey tea plant shouldn’t need much more trimming than it already does, aside from removing any leaves or sections of the plant that seem to be dead or sick. It’s best to do a little pruning near the end of winter before the blossoms begin to appear.

Common Pests and Diseases Problems

There are a range of insect challenges that New Jersey tea plants may encounter, including aphids, caterpillars, lacebugs, leafhoppers, mealybugs, root-maggot flies, and scale, among others. Consider applying a horticultural oil, such as neem oil, to your plant to alleviate the symptoms of these problems. Insecticides are also a possibility, but they should only be used as a last resort since they have the potential to harm other plants in the area.

Fungal diseases like leaf spot, powdery mildew, and verticillium wilt may all affect this plant, making it a potential source of concern. To prevent causing these issues, make sure that the plants are spaced far enough apart from one another to allow for enough air circulation and that they are watered from the base to avoid bringing excessive moisture to the thick foliage.