‘White Empress’ opens early and opens big: large, white semi-double flowers with a glowing center of golden stamens, set off by unusually lustrous foliage.

Grow it as you would any fine japonica — morning sun or high shade, protection from hot afternoon light, acidic well-drained soil, and steady water while young. It makes a luminous specimen for a shaded entry or woodland garden, where the white flowers seem to light up dark corners.