Camellia japonica is a classic Southern evergreen shrub with glossy, dark green leaves and large, showy blooms in winter and early spring, when most of the garden is resting. It makes a beautiful foundation plant, hedge or specimen and slowly grows to about 6 to 12 feet tall over many years. Plant in partial shade or morning sun in well-drained, slightly acidic soil, keep it evenly moist the first year, and mulch the roots. Prune lightly right after blooming. Hardy in USDA zones 7-9. Container grown in a 3-gallon pot and hand packed in central Louisiana.