Summary
Franklinia (Franklinia alatamaha) is a stunning small specimen tree for the garden, reaching 20-30’ tall at maturity. In late summer, it produces pure white, 3″ wide flowers over several weeks, followed by excellent fall foliage ranging from yellow to orange, red, and purple. Named in honor of Benjamin Franklin, this tree has garnered attention because it was last seen in nature in 1803 and survives only because of plants originally propagated by John Bartram. Franklinia can be a challenge to grow because it requires precise moisture levels, well-drained, nutrient-rich acidic soils, and protection from environmental stress. Several excellent garden companions include mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia), Christmas fern (Polystichum acrostichoides), coast azalea (Rhododendron atlanticum), coast leucothoe (Leucothoe axillaris), dusty Zenobia (Zenobia pulverulenta), and dwarf fothergilla (Fothergilla gardenii). Zones 5-8.
More Details
- Plant Type
tree - Sun/Shade Conditions
partial-shade-to-full-sun - Foliage Character
deciduous - Soil Moisture
average-to-moist - Flowering Period
mid-to-late-summer - Soil PH
acidic - Flower Color
white - Summer Foliage Color
green - Fall Foliage Color
green, orange, purple, red, yellow - Fruit/Seed Color
brown
Additional Information
Bartram’s Garden, The New Georgia Encyclopedia, Tree Trail, Flora of North America