Camellia pitardii aka Pitard's Camellia

Camellia pitardii is an evergreen member of the tea family, Theaceae. It comes from southern China, where it grows in several provinces. These include Guizhou, Sichuan, Yunnan, and parts of Hunan and Hubei. It grows in forests and thickets, on slopes and beside rivers. In Yunnan, records place it at 3,280–9,190 feet [1,000–2,800 metres]. Kew describes its climate as subtropical and its form as a tree.

In gardens, it forms a large shrub with spreading branches. The RHS gives a height of 13–26 feet [4–8 metres]. Its spread reaches about 8–13 feet [2.5–4 metres]. It takes around 10–20 years to reach full size. The leaves stay green through the year. They are tough, broadly elliptic, and edged with small teeth. Single flowers open in early spring. They may be white or one of several pink shades. Each flower can reach about 3 inches [8 centimetres] across.

Grow this camellia in light shade, with shelter from cold winds. A west-facing site suits the RHS guidance. Avoid spots that catch cold, dry winds or early morning sun. Frost and cold winds can harm the buds and flowers. It needs acid soil with ample organic matter and good drainage. Clay, loam, and sand can all suit it. Keep the soil moist without leaving it waterlogged. The RHS rates it H4 for UK conditions. Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 7–10.

Its evergreen leaves and spring flowers suit woodland edges and borders. It also fits courtyard, cottage, and informal gardens. The RHS suggests borders beside walls as another setting. Allow room for its mature width when placing it. Prune after flowering, following the RHS guidance for evergreen shrubs. Take semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer to raise more plants. Grafting in late winter offers another way to propagate it.

Watch for aphids, scale insects, and vine weevil. Possible diseases include honey fungus and phytophthora root rot. Camellia gall, leaf blight, and yellow mottle virus may also occur. Petal blight can affect the flowers. Plants For A Future reports cooking use for oil from the seeds. This does not establish that whole seeds are edible. That source lists no known hazards and no known medicinal uses. Its lack of reported hazards does not confirm safety for pets. It also records no weed potential.