New Jersey Tea

Characteristics & Cultural Requirements

• Height: 3-4 feet
• Spread: 3-5 feet
• Habit/Form: Compact, rounded
• Hardiness Zone: 4-8
• Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Soil: Dry to medium, well-drained

Ornamental Value

An underused shrub, New Jersey Tea is a shrub you should become familiar with! With its compact round shape it can make a welcome substitute to the sometimes overused Spirea and Hydrangea shrubs common in countless suburban lots. This native shrub is nitrogen-fixing meaning it provides its own nitrogen fertilizer! In the summer months of May to July, fragrant white flower clusters cover the plants, attracting any nearby pollinators with ease. The seeds that form after bloom can also become a valuable food source to local birds and small mammals. The thick reddish roots are commonly used in holistic medicine, but also aid this plant in drought resistance. Which is why it grows best in sandy loam or rocky soils.

Landscape Uses

New Jersey Tea makes the perfect groundcover like plant for a rocky slope that is hot and sunny. However, this versatile shrub will fit in well in most shrub borders, native gardens, and mixed landscape beds.