It is smaller than the white flowering dogwood. Dogwoods are beautiful ornamental trees that will grow here given a slightly acidic, organically enriched, sandy, well-draining soil and partial shade.
Drainage is crucial, so plant in a raised bed, ideally beneath high trees.
Ask your nursery about availability of this tree. Though they are not true dogwoods, they are great garden accents. They tolerate sun or bright shade and like a moist, fertile soil that drains well. The showy white flowers appear in spring. Philadelphus occasionally pops up in area nurseries and is often available at plant sales, such as those at Mercer Arboretum and the Garden Club of Houston's Bulb and Plant Mart in September.