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 the UK
- 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
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.