Application forms may be obtained from the Executive Secretary, the chairman or any State Director of the ACS.

The Varietal Registration forms must be made out as fully and completely as possible and forwarded to the Exeutive Director.

Pictures

A minimum of two colored slides or unaltered digital images  must be submitted with each new cultivar application at the time the application to register is submitted. The pictures should consist of two different views: (1) showing a full face view of the bloom and; (2) a side view showing the height of the bloom. The use of a ruler or a coin in the picture is requested to show the relative size of the bloom.  A poor picture may cause your bloom to be rejected until a better picture is available.

How many years has cultivar been blooming?

Any cultivar being considered for registration must have been blooming for at least four years (seasons) prior to the request for registration.

ACS Judges' approval

Any cultivar being considered for registration must be appraised by two A.C.S. judges. Do they consider the new cultivar sufficiently different from introduced varieties and worthy of introduction? Do they believe all information on the application form is accurate, so far as can be determined? The judges' signatures are required on the application.

Naming your bloom

Any applicant proposing to utilize someone's name for a new cultivar must obtain written permission from said person. This written permission must be returned with your application. In the event said person is deceased, written permission shall be obtained from the closest living relative.

The name chosen must be a proper name or a word in common language. A scientific name or Latin form is not acceptable.

Each word of the name must begin with a capital letter, except when national custom requires otherwise. Single quotation marks are to be used to enclose a name.

A name can be used only once, and not for more than one species.

The name should preferably consist of one or two words and must not consist of more than three words. Excessively long words or phrases are not acceptable. (Example: 'Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II').

When naming a sport, include the name of parent as initial word where practicable. It is considered practicable where a solid colored or variegated variety produces one sport consisting of a variegated or solid form, and does not violate other rules. However, when a variety produces various sports, a name not including the name of the parent is permissible, although reference should be made to the parent in a publication or registrations, (Example: (1) 'Herme Pink'; (2) 'Colonial Lady'.)

An initial article must not be used unless required by linguistic custom. (Example: 'The Dove' is not permitted and 'La Bella' is permitted.)

Names containing initial abbreviation must not be used, except in abbreviations of forms of address. (Example: 'St. Andre' for 'Saint Andre'.)

Names tending to suggest what is improper, indecent, or the like are unacceptable.

Do not use the following when selecting names:
(a) Names containing forms of address liable to be confused, as distinguished from forms of title. (Example: Miss, Mr., Mrs., are easily confused and cannot be used but forms of title such as Dr., Judge, Capt., etc., are permissible.)
(b) Names exaggerating the merits of a variety. (Example: 'Mathotiana Supreme'.)
(c) Names likely to be confused. (Ex: 'Imperial', 'Imperialis'
(d) Names resulting in a series of names with same initial word. (Ex: 'Pink Ball' 'Pink Beauty', 'White Ball', 'White Beauty'.)

Priority of use of names:

First validly published name has priority, except as set forth in Paragraphs 2 and 3. Valid publication consists of listing of name, accompanied by a description sufficient to identify the variety, in a dated (at least as to year), printed or similarly duplicated publication which is distributed to the public, provided such publication is made with permission of originator or introducer. This includes horticultural books or magazines, nursery or trade catalogues, and publications of horticultural societies. Registration with an official registration authority without such valid publication does not give priority.

When it is impossible to determine the first validly published name, the best established and most widely known varietal name is given priority.

Names generally established and in common use, will take priority over a name first validly published. If a name has been in long use in the U.S., and research uncovers an older and first validly published but now obscure designation, we do not favor a change. Instead we elect to follow this rule and use the newly discovered name as a synonym, and indicate the true situation.

Change of name:

Name first validly published cannot be changed, except in the following cases;
(a) Where the same name is used for different species, the name may be changed if reference is made to disclose the former name in any listing or publication.
(b) Translation, or transliteration, is allowed where there are linguistic or other difficulties, except as to personal names. The first valid published translation, or transliteration, has priority in the particular language.
(c) Where a variety is introduced into another country, and its original name is commercially unacceptable due to the difficulty of pronunciation, or when the original name or a translation of the original name would have a different connotation or implication, the name may be changed upon the approval of the originator.
(d) A name generally established or in common use should not be changed to comply with rules.

Registration Process

Applications received by the executive director will be forwarded to the Chairman of the ACS Registration Committee, who, in conjunction with the committee, will act upon the application. If feasible, a copy of the application will be forwarded to a member of the committee in the particular area of the state where the application originated, which member will make such examination as he deems necessary and return application to the Chairman with his approval or rejection, stating his reasons for rejection.

The Chairman will forward all approved applications to the executive director, who will give the variety a registration number; advise applicant; publish name and description in ACS Journal; and forward a copy to the Chairman of the Nomenclature Committee of the Southern California Camellia Society for publication in Camellia Nomenclature. The chairman will advise applicant as to any rejected application with reasons for rejection. Approval for registration carries no guarantee beyond formal recognition and publication of the name and description of the plant and flower in the ACS Year Book, and at the discretion of the editor of that publication, in Camellia Nomenclature.

Registration of "Sports"

Applications for registration of sports will not be considered unless the sport has been propagated from the parent plant and flowered for at least four years, during which period all of the blooms produced were 100% true to type. This test is required as an indication that the sport has been stabilized or "set".

The ACS, as a matter of both policy and courtesy, will not accept new registrations for Camellia cultivars originating outside the United States of America except with the formal approval and consent of the relevant body in the country of origin.