Camellia japonica

Handsome evergreens which can be grown indoors or out in soil which is moist but well-drained, rich in humus and slightly acidic. Outdoors they should be protected from wind and early morning sun. A shady spot with sufficient light in a west-facing or sheltered northerly aspect with a wall as a backdrop is probably best. The species flowers are generally pink but named varieties offer a range of colours from white through to red.