> >So the hybrids can obviously be made at least. > Oh, and I forgot to mention that these hybrids reputedly flower at least a month earlier than the tree dahlias, making them useful for those of us who live in frosty areas. Our Dahlias imperialis here in Canberra start flowering about may (the D. excelsa flowers in April) and these hybrids started in March. This is a HUGE step forward in bringing tree dahlias to being useful in more gardens in frost areas. Cheers. Paul Tyerman Canberra, Australia. USDA equivalent - Zone 8/9 mailto:ptyerman@ozemail.com.au Growing.... Galanthus, Erythroniums, Fritillarias, Cyclamen, Crocus, Cyrtanthus, Oxalis, Liliums, Hellebores, Aroids, Irises plus just about anything else that doesn't move!!!!!