The development of new Camellia hybrids is fascinating and challenging to camellia growers and hybridizers. The use of crosses among cultivars of the same Camellia species has resulted in the introduction of thousands of wonderful flowers and the generation of a substantial body of knowledge. Camellia hybridizing between species has been successful when using Camellia japonica with Camellia saluenensis, Camellia sasanqua and Camellia reticulata. However there are many challenges to hybridizing camellias between other Camellia species. As the challenges are met, opportunities for the development of new yellow camellias, reblooming camellias, reblooming cold-hardy camellias, reblooming yellow camellias and blooms in new colors and complex flower forms present themselves. The major hybridizing challenges include compatibility, seed dormancy, seed germination and seedling propagation.
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