Another view

Well, it's possible. Perhaps a more spreading sasanqua type like Shi Shi Gashira. I guess you would not be able to get a closer shot of the leaves and stems at this point. Did they say what color the flowers were?

There's a smaller flowered species called Camellia transnokoensis. It could possibly be that, but I think the flowers would nail the ID for certain. A lot of plants can look alike. If a camellia, then that plant likely had been sheared back and is regrowing quickly.

It almost looks like Cleyera japonica too (not to be confused with Ternstroemia), which is a camellia relative. Again, a closeup of the leaves and bud would be helpful. I can't tell if those leaves are serrated or smooth margined.

Leaves don't look quite right for Distylium, although the form does.

Thank you, dave. No other pix or info. I on ipad Closeup, the leaves appear to be serrated. I ll look for pix of the possibilities you mentioned.

think topiary ... anything can be pruned to any shape ... if you are willing to do the work ... or hire it out ...

https://www.google.com/search?q=topiary&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0CAgQ_AUoAmoVChMI19K-2r2ayQIVSDk-Ch0qoQne&biw=889&bih=745&dpr=0.9

ken

It's just a Sasanqua, multiple kinds with this habit are on the general market.

Great to know. I like the form. Thanks :)

You will find examples described here for instance (click on Detail for the most information about each, after you click on its picture). This company supplies garden centers over a large area.

http://www.monrovia.com/plant-catalog/search/?view_all=1&query=sasanqua

Yes, Monrovia is big here.... thanks do much for the link.

First I'd heard of the shi shi gashira. Thank you, Tibean