Franklinia alatamaha - Franklinia

Regular price

Full Sun Part ShadeBird FriendlyFall Color
DESCRIPTION
Franklinia
Franklinia alatamaha

This small specimen tree is valued for its showy, white, late summer flowers and striking yellow to orange to red fall color. Native but extinct in the wild, it was saved from extinction in colonial times and is a ravishingly unique tree for the home landscape. Perfect for partial shade.

Benefits

  • Fragrant white flowers smell like honeysuckle
  • Striking fall foliage color
  • Historically significant and rare
  • Saved from extinction in colonial times
  • Perfect for bird nesting and cover
  • A great choice for smaller landscape spaces
NATIVE INFO

Native Range

Moist, well-drained soils in the wooded foothills of Georgia

Map Credit: The Biota of North America 
Map Key: Green (native), Teal (native, adventive), Blue (present), Yellow (present & rare), Red (extinct)

INTERESTING FACTS
Franklinia is also called Franklin Tree, a name given to it by John Bartram who was the Royal Botanist for North America under King George III in 1765. Bartram and his son saved the plant from extinction, and named it in honor of their friend Benjamin Franklin. The species name alatamaha is an old spelling for the river on which the plant was discovered.

 

GROWING TIPS

Best grown in moist, well-drained soils rich in organic matter. Good drainage is a must. Plant in full sun in more northerly climates but will appreciate some afternoon shade in warmer zones. May not be reliably winter hardy in the northern parts of USDA Zone 5 where it should be planted in a protected location. 

 

Mature Size: 10-20ft. Tall x 6-15ft. Wide

Hardiness Zone: 5-8

Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Part Shade

VIDEO
Coming Soon!

    American Beauties Offer Solution Based Plant Collections to Help you Choose

    Quick Tips for Choosing Plants:

    • Planting a variety of native trees, shrubs, perennials and vines increases biodiversity and gives wildlife a source for food, cover and nesting
    • Choose a mixture of deciduous and evergreen trees so birds and other wildlife will always be able to find shelter
    • Plant trees and large shrubs where they will block winter winds from the house and shade it in summer, that will save energy and lower your carbon footprint
    • Try your best to buy plants that were grown locally, your independent garden center will be your best bet
    • Think about ultimate height and width of the plant you choose, make sure it will fit the space you have for it when it's reached maturity
    • Plant nectar plants in groups, to attract butterflies and other beneficial insects more easily
    • Ask for help if you need it. Most garden centers either have a landscape designer on staff or they can give you a reference of a designer that is adept at native plant wildlife gardening. There will be upfront costs but they are small when compared to having to redo a landscape that wasn't what you really wanted

    Our Plant Tags Hold the Secrets to Success

    Choosing the right plants for your garden can seem like a daunting task but we’re here to help. Our horticulturists have spent a considerable amount of time researching and writing our beautiful, American Beauties plant tags to help you be successful. First of all, when you see an American Beauties branded pot at your garden center you can be confident that the plant is native to your area and a responsible choice. 

    When you look at our tag you’ll find information about the plants natural habitat. That will give you a clue to how it will work in your backyard. For instance if the plant is naturally founded and moist, shade and you have full sun, it’s not the plant for you. The “Features” section gives you an overview or plant description so you’ll know what to expect. While the “Benefits” section talks about the plants strong suits and how the plant will benefit wildlife. 

    A Special Note About Exposure

    Full sun: Prefers six or more hours of direct sunshine a day
    Partial shade: Thrives in three to six hours of daily sunshine
    Shade: Generally does well with less than three hours of sun per day. Having said that even shade loving plants will struggle in extremely deep shade.

    DOWNLOADABLE RESOURCES

    Best Plants for Bees - Double sided printout for download

    Best Plants for Butterflies - Double sided printout for download

    Best Plants for Birds - Double sided printout for download


    You may also like