Soil

• Soil that is well-drained and slightly acidic in nature with a high content of organic matter suits Camellia japonica best, though the plant is somewhat adaptable.
  
  

Size

• Camellia japonica can become as tall as 20 feet at maturity with widths of up to 10 feet.
  
  

Flowers

• Flowers, which may resemble roses in shape, are unscented, come in a variety of colors with sizes up to 5 inches across. Over 3,000 varieties, hybrids and cultivars are available that bloom in winter when little else does.
  
  

Sun

• Camellia japonica grown in zone 9 does better with partial shade; those grown further north, such as zone 7, need more sun to reach their peak.
  
  

Uses

• Camellia japonica can be used for hedges, accents or borders, and this plant also can be container grown. With proper maintenance, this shrub can be tolerant of urban conditions.