Camellias

Camellia cuspidata
Found all over southern China in most provinces south of the Yangtze river.
Hardy
A shrub or small tree up to 4m.
Flowers: 3 - 4.5 cm wide white flowers on short stalks are crowded toward the branch ends.
March - April.
Leaves: 2.8 - 7 cm long, 1.4 - 3.2 cm wide; are dark or light green or even slightly purplish with an attractive coppery colour on the new growths, and with long fine points.
It is native to woodlands in the cooler areas and has been found to be remarkably hardy in cultivation in cold climates;
it has been very successfully used in these regions for many years to produce a number of excellent hybrids.
It is not so successful in gardens in hot climates.