Franklinia spp.

franklin tree

Theaceae

Southeastern United States (Altamaha River, Georgia); extinct in the wild

Attracts Pollinators Fragrant (moderate)

Native to North America

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterMedium

HardinessZones 5–8

Overview

Franklinia spp. is a genus in the tea family (Theaceae) containing the single species Franklinia alatamaha, the Franklin tree, a deciduous large shrub or small tree once native to a small area along the Altamaha River in Georgia, in the southeastern United States. It has not been seen in the wild since the early 1800s and survives only in cultivation, all plants descending from seed collected before the wild population disappeared. Plants grow 10-25 feet (3-7.6 m) tall, upright and often multi-stemmed, with glossy dark green leaves 5-6 inches (13-15 cm) long. From late summer into autumn the branch tips carry fragrant, cup-shaped white flowers 3 inches (7.5 cm) across, each with five rounded petals around a central boss of yellow stamens. The flowers open as the foliage begins turning, so blooms and red-to-orange fall color often appear together. Franklinia spp. needs acidic, humus-rich, moist but free-draining soil and is highly sensitive to root rot, drought stress, and disturbance, which makes it short-lived and difficult to establish in many gardens.

Native Range

Franklinia spp. is native to the southeastern United States, historically known only from a few acres along the Altamaha River in southeastern Georgia. The species is now extinct in the wild, and every cultivated plant traces back to seed gathered by 18th-century collectors.

Suggested Uses

Franklinia spp. is grown as a specimen large shrub or small tree in acidic woodland gardens and shrub borders, valued for late flowers and autumn color on the same plant. It is planted near patios and paths where the fragrance and bloom can be seen at close range in late season. Because it needs particular soil and is prone to root rot, it is used mainly by collectors and in gardens with suitable conditions.

How to Identify

Recognized by glossy, dark green, oblong leaves and large, cup-shaped, fragrant white flowers with a central cluster of yellow stamens, opening in late summer and autumn. The flowers resemble single camellias, reflecting the genus place in the tea family. Red-to-orange autumn leaf color appearing at the same time as the late flowers helps confirm Franklinia spp..

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height10' - 25'

Width/Spread6' - 15'

Colors

Flower Colors

white

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

red

orange

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~6 weeks

Summer Fall

Flowering runs from late summer into autumn, generally August to October, later than most flowering trees and shrubs. The fragrant white flowers open a few at a time over several weeks and draw bees. Because bloom overlaps with the turning foliage, flowers and red fall color are often seen together.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

dark green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.0 - 6.5(Acidic)

357912

Soil Types

loam sand peat

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

10-15 years to mature size

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Franklinia spp. grows in full sun to part shade in acidic, humus-rich, moist but sharply drained soil, and benefits from steady moisture without waterlogging. It is highly prone to root rot, especially in heavy, wet, or alkaline soils, which is the main reason plants fail. Plants are raised from seed or cuttings and are set back by root disturbance once established. Mulching keeps the shallow roots cool and evenly moist, and irrigation is needed in dry spells. Growth is slow, and many plants are short-lived even under good care. Soil that has grown cotton may carry pathogens that kill the species.

Pruning

Little pruning is required beyond removing dead, damaged, or crossing branches in late winter. Multi-stemmed plants are thinned to shape if a more tree-like form is wanted. Cuts are kept small, as the species recovers slowly from heavy pruning.