Franklinia alatamaha

Franklin tree

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Taxonomy

Common Names

Franklin tree

Context

nativeRegion

Endemic to the Altamaha River region of Georgia, USA (now extinct in the wild).

usdaZones

5–8

companionPlants

Rhododendron, Kalmia (mountain laurel), Magnolia, Fothergilla

culturalUses

Primarily ornamental, valued for historical rarity and unique flowering; no known medicinal or culinary uses.

Care

LightFull sun to partial shade. Prefers dappled sunlight similar to its native understory conditions.

WateringKeep soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Sensitive to drought and standing water.

SoilAcidic, well-drained, sandy or loamy soils rich in organic matter.

FertilizerApply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring; avoid excess fertilizer which can harm roots.

HumidityPrefers moderate to high humidity; avoid dry environments.

TemperatureHardy in USDA zones 5 to 8. Sensitive to extreme cold and prolonged heat.

HabitDeciduous small tree or large shrub with upright branching.

Mature Size15–25 feet (4.5–7.5 meters) tall, 10–15 feet (3–4.5 meters) wide.

Growth RateModerate growth rate when conditions are ideal; slow under stress.

BloomingLarge, fragrant white flowers from late summer into fall (August–October).

DormancyDeciduous, loses leaves in late fall; dormant in winter.

MethodsSeed (fresh, requires stratification), Softwood cuttings

DifficultyDifficult, due to erratic seed germination and high sensitivity in young plants.

Best SeasonSow seeds in fall; take cuttings in early summer.

PruningMinimal pruning required; remove dead or damaged branches after flowering.

RepottingRarely grown in containers, but young plants may be repotted in spring as needed.

Pests & DiseasesGenerally disease-resistant but susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils.

ToxicityNon-toxic to humans and pets.

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