Florida Native Tea Bush (Melochia tomentosa)
Pollinator Magnet and Soothing Native Herbal Tea
The Florida Tea Bush (Melochia tomentosa) is a charming native perennial shrub that’s as useful as it is beautiful. Covered in soft, velvety leaves and crowned with clusters of rosy-pink to lavender blooms, it thrives in Florida’s sun, heat, and sandy soils. Nearly ever-blooming in warm climates, this resilient native supports bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds while providing fragrant, flavorful leaves for herbal tea. Brewed on its own or blended with other local herbs, Florida Tea Bush makes a smooth, soothing, slightly floral infusion that feels like pure sunshine in a cup.
Cultural & Herbal Significance
Melochia tomentosa grows wild throughout Florida, the Caribbean, and the tropical Americas, where it has long been appreciated as a traditional herbal tea plant. The leaves are lightly sweet, calming, and aromatic—often used in folk remedies to support relaxation and digestion. Beyond its herbal benefits, it’s an essential pollinator-friendly native that helps restore biodiversity and soil health in Florida-friendly landscapes.
Why Grow Florida Tea Bush?
- Native Florida perennial that attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds
- Velvety leaves can be dried or used fresh for a light, calming tea
- Tolerant of drought, heat, and sandy soils once established
- Blooms nearly year-round in warm regions
- Easy to grow, easy to love—perfect for edible and native gardens
Growing Tips
Plant in full sun to partial shade in well-drained sandy or loamy soil. Once established, Tea Bush thrives with minimal care and tolerates long dry spells. Water young plants regularly until roots are strong. Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. Hardy in USDA Zones 9–11, but can be grown as an annual or container plant in cooler regions.
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Melochia tomentosa |
| Common Names | Florida Native Tea Bush, Pyramid Bush, Chocolateweed, Teabush |
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Origin | Florida, Caribbean, Tropical Americas |
| Plant Type | Flowering shrub, herbal perennial |
| Life Cycle | Perennial in warm climates |
| Mature Size | 3–6 ft tall x 3–4 ft wide |
| Light | Full sun to partial shade |
| Water Needs | Low to moderate; drought-tolerant once established |
| Soil | Well-drained sandy or loamy soil |
| Bloom Time | Spring through fall (nearly year-round in warm zones) |
| Flower Color | Pink to lavender |
| USDA Zones | 9–11 |
| Florida Native | Yes |
| Propagation | Seeds, cuttings |
| Seasonal Traits | Semi-evergreen to evergreen in warm climates |
| Time to Harvest | 6–12 months for tea leaves; ongoing harvest after establishment |
Wondering about your USDA Growing Zone and what you can grow? 🌎🌿 Learn how to find your Zone and grow tropical plants anywhere—Florida to Alaska! 👉 Read the full blog here!
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