Franklinia alatamaha

RHS Plant Profile

Franklin tree

Synonyms

Gordonia alatamaha
Gordonia pubescens

Trees

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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

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

2.5-4 metres

Max Spread

2.5-4 metres

Size

Time to Maturity: 10–20 years
Max Spread: 2.5-4 metres
Max Height: 2.5-4 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand

Moisture: Moist but well–drained
pH: Acid or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade

Aspect: South–facing or West–facing
Exposure: Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20): H5

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family: Theaceae
Native to GB/Ireland: No
Foliage: Deciduous
Habit: Bushy
Genus
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