I'm originally from the tropical areas of Asia, but I'm very happy in the British climate. My glossy evergreen leaves look fantastic all year round, but people really grow me for my lovely blousy spring flowers. I'm happy in borders or pots, but I do need acid soil, so if you live in an area with clay soil it might be easier to grow me in a pot with ericaceous compost. I was first grown in China for hundreds of years as an ornamental plant before I first arrived in British gardens in the early 1700's. My leaves can be dried and ground to make tea, although you will need lots of leaves to make a proper cuppa.
Camellia
I can grow quite large if I'm in a border with perfect conditions, but it will take a few years for me to reach my ultimate height of a couple of metres. I'm pretty well-behaved and I don't spread too wide.