Tree Categories: Fall Color Trees, Flowering Trees, and Ornamental Trees
Mature Tree Height: Less than 20 feet tall | Mature Tree Width: 10-20 feet wide
Tree Growing Zones: Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, and Zone 8
The Franklin Tree (Franklinia alatamaha) is a small-sized historic flowering tree. It blooms slowly, starting in mid-summer and sometimes goes all the way until the first frost. The flowers are big and beautiful, white with 5 petals surrounding a yellow center and a sweet fragrance. They emerge in clusters at the tips of the branches and open one at a time. The foliage is dark green and glossy in the spring and summer and turns purple to red to orange in the fall.
The Franklin Tree is native to Georgia, although it is no longer found in the wild. It was discovered along the banks of the Altamaha River by John Bartram in 1770 and named it after his close friend, Benjamin Franklin. It has not been found in the wild since 1803. This tree is a spectacular specimen tree that does great when planted around a patio or near a nice yard spot so its sweet fragrance can be enjoyed. May be tough to establish at first because it has specific growing conditions. It needs moist, well-drained, nutrient rich soils, and protection from environmental stress. Does best in full to partial sun but flowers and fall foliage are at their best in full sun.
