Franklinia alatamaha
Franklin tree
Franklinia alatamaha is the only species in this (monotypic) genus. It is a deciduous small tree or large shrub, 3-4.5m, with dark green, glossy, simple oblong leaves, to 18cm long, turning crimson in autumn. Flowers are large, to 6cm across, cup-shaped, snowy white with a large boss of yellow stamens, in autumn. Fragrant, and can flower with the autumn leaf colour, but blooms are only produced after a long, hot summer
Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | White | Red | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Theaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Georgia (USA)
How to grow
Cultivation
Can be challenging to grow. Best grown in rich, moist, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Intolerant of root disturbance once established as well as drought
Propagation
Propagate by seed as soon as ripe at 10-18C (50-64F). Root hardwood cuttings in winter or softwood cuttings in summer with bottom heat
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Flower borders and beds
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Requires minimal pruning, only removing wayward, crossing or rubbing shoots in winter when dormant
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Susceptible to Phytophthora root rot
Get involved
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