franklin tree
Franklinia alatamaha
USDA zones5 to 9
SunHandles full sun to partial shade
WaterHandles moderate to moist soil
Size10 to 20 feet tall6 to 15 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Habit
- Shrub
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- White
- Foliage color
- White-gray
- Soil types
- Sand, loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, neutral
Garden uses
Notes
Franklin tree (Franklinia alatamaha) is a small tree for specimen planting, borders, and winter interest. It is hardy to USDA zone 5, or down to -20°F (-29°C). This plant likes full sun to part shade and average to moist, sandy or loamy soil. Large, fragrant white flowers with yellow stamens open in September. The dark green leaves turn orange and red in fall. Its open, upright branches give it an airy look.
Pairs well with Mountain laurel, Dwarf fothergilla, Christmas fern, and Deciduous azalea.
Native range
GA.