You can plant it wherever you would plant any other type of camellia. It does not have a big or aggressive root system so near the septic system should be fine. Does not require full sun and in warmer climates, might appreciate some mid to late afternoon shade.

Otherwise, it prefers an acidic, organically rich, well drained soil with consistent moisture.

, however most of the yard is shaded for part of the day.

==>>> what gal said ...

but just to make sure.. we count the number of hours per day.. during what hours.. to define ....

generally 8 hours of sun.. is full sun ... as long as its not dusk or dawn ...

soooo.. you may have more spots available .. if you tell us how many hours and when ...

also note.. many water loving plants dont mind.. it they are in shade during the heat of the day ... just to avoid loss of moisture to the hot sun part of the day ....

so it sounds ... like this plant might enjoy late morning and early evening sun ... and shade during the hottest part of the day .... think about it ...

below is a planting primer.. i dont know why it would differ for this plant ..... plain and simple is usually best ... dont fall for all the voodoo ... and marketing voodoo ...

ken

https://sites.google.com/site/tnarboretum/Home/planting-a-tree-or-shrub

How cold does your place get?

in the alternative.. do you have other Cs ... or see them in the neighborhood?

THIS FACTSHEET from OP's state has some good, local info. I am skeptical however about the claims it states for winter hardiness.

OP: Rarely do we get temperatures in the teens, most of the time our winter temperatures are in the mid 20's and 30's. Temperature wise not that cold, but with the moisture, physiological cold.

Our yard has azaleas and camellias, one camellia currently covered with blossoms. our younger camellias have a dozen or so on each. We still have a couple of blossoms on our azaleas, though they are over for the season.

Our lot is in a south facing bowel so we do not usually get direct winds.

And bowels can certainly be windy!

Is not the spell checker wonderful. What would we do for humor without it.

Again I wonder why the word "corrected" to by the software would be considered more prevalent in use than the word typed originally.

HERE is an interesting page about a small leaved camellia from Camellia Forest Nursery. I'm guessing that OP is only too familiar with that nursery.