Tea bush (Melochia tomentosa)
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- Botanical Name: Melochia tomentosa [1]
- Family: Malvaceae (Mallow family) [1]
- Mature Size: 6 to 10 feet tall and equally wide (can be trimmed) [1, 2, 3]
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 9–11 [1]
- Bloom Time: Nearly year-round, peaking from fall through early spring [1, 2, 3]
- Light: Full sun to partial shade [1]
- Soil: Well-drained sandy, rocky, or calcareous limestone soils [1, 2, 3]
- Water: Low water needs; highly drought-tolerant once established [1, 2]
- Maintenance: Low-maintenance and fast-growing; prune lightly after heavy blooms to shape [1, 2, 3]
- Pollinator Magnet: Heavily frequented by native bees, honeybees, small butterflies, and hummingbirds.
- Herbal Tea: As the common name suggests, the aromatic leaves have a history of traditional use in light herbal infusions. You can learn more about its heritage via the Florida Wildflower Foundation.
- Landscaping: Excellent as an accent, specimen, or wildlife garden plant. Available at specialty native nurseries, which you can locate through the Florida Native Plant Society. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]