What is the perfect Streptocarpus of the future?

Streptocarpus 'Ambra' from Poland



Story # 17, Part I,

            This question could take a lifetime to answer.  As a declared amateur hybridizer, I see many plans of attack to improve Streptocarpus hybrids.

            Many variable plant characteristics are evident in modern hybrids.  Since we know that all genetic characteristics segregate independently, the combination of the best can be achieved if you have enough time.

            When I used to give talks about hybridizing Streptocarpus, I would ask the question:  ‘What is the most important thing to select for?’

            It was never intended to be a trick question.  We think about bud count, earliness to flower, continuous flowering or heat tolerance.

            The most important selection criteria has to be the flower color.