Franklinia alatamaha, Franklin Tree

Cultivar description: Camellia-like, fragrant, white flowers (to 3” diameter) bloom in late summer to early fall. Narrow, glossy dark green leaves (to 5” long) turn orange, red and purple in autumn.

Discovered along the banks of the Altamaha River in southeastern Georgia by early American horticulturalist John Bartram  in 1765. Genus named for Bartram's friend Ben Franklin. This tree has been extinct in the wild since the early 19th century. 

Size at maturity: 10-20' tall and 6'-15' wide

Site Selection: Prefers well drained soil, high in organic matter. Full sun to part shade in northern areas, best in part shade in the south.

Zone hardiness, Pests, & Diseases: Hardy to USDA zone 6-9.  Somewhat cold tender when young, spring planting is advisable in zone 6.

Plant size: Own-root tree, grown in a 4" x 4" x 9" tree pot.

When we ship: FALL 2026