How to Grow Franklinia
Franklinia
Franklinia alatamaha
treeFranklinia is a rare, deciduous ornamental tree native to Georgia, known for its large, fragrant white flowers with golden stamens that bloom in late summer and fall. The tree also features attractive glossy green foliage that turns brilliant red-orange in autumn. It is extinct in the wild but widely cultivated as a prized landscape specimen.
When should you plant Franklinia in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Franklinia timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Franklinia
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Franklinia
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Franklinia dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5b-9a; performs best in zones 6-8
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Get my Franklinia timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
First 2 yearsYoung tree with developing root system and initial stem growth
Water regularly to keep soil moist; apply 2-3 inches of mulch around base; avoid transplanting once established; provide protection from harsh winds
Vegetative Growth
Years 2-4Tree develops strong branching structure and glossy green foliage; gradually increasing in size
Maintain consistent moisture; mulch annually with organic material; light pruning to shape; avoid heavy nitrogen fertilizers
Pre-flowering
Years 4-6Tree reaches sufficient maturity to support flower bud development
Continue consistent watering and care; avoid overfertilizing; light pruning only; ensure good drainage
Flowering & Fruiting
August-October; ongoing annuallyLarge white flowers with yellow stamens appear in late summer through fall; followed by small fruit with seeds
Maintain consistent moisture during flowering; deadheading not necessary but can redirect energy; collect seeds in fall if desired
Dormancy & Fall Color
October-MarchFoliage turns vibrant red-orange in autumn; leaves drop; tree enters winter rest period
Reduce watering slightly but maintain some soil moisture; apply mulch to protect roots; no pruning during dormancy
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick in early morning; use Japanese beetle traps at distance from tree; neem oil or insecticidal soap if severe
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Prune out heavily infested branches; horticultural oil spray in dormant season; insecticidal soap during growing season
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Improve air circulation through light pruning; sulfur fungicide spray if needed; avoid overhead watering
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Ensure excellent drainage; avoid waterlogged soil; remove affected roots if detected; apply fungicide to root zone if necessary
Uses
Specimen Landscape Tree
OrnamentalFranklinia's showy white flowers, fragrance, and brilliant autumn foliage make it an exceptional focal point in gardens and landscapes. It is prized for its extended bloom period in late summer and fall. [source]
Wildlife Support
WildlifeFlowers attract pollinators including bees and butterflies; seeds provide food for birds; the tree offers habitat and nesting sites for various wildlife species. [source]
Cut Flowers
HouseholdThe fragrant white flowers can be cut for indoor floral arrangements, bringing beauty and scent into the home during late summer and early fall. [source]
Historical Botanical Interest
MedicinalNamed after Benjamin Franklin, Franklinia holds historical botanical significance and has been studied by horticulturists and botanists for its unique characteristics and near-extinction recovery. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Seeds can be collected in fall when fruit capsules turn brown and begin to split; extract seeds and store in cool, dry conditions; germination is slow and benefits from stratification (cold treatment for 30-60 days)
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Franklinia is extinct in the wild but was saved from extinction by a Pennsylvania nurseryman named John Bartram, who collected seeds in the 1770s; all cultivated Franklinias today are descendants of those original specimens
- 🌱 The tree is named after Benjamin Franklin, who was a patron of the Bartram family; it is Pennsylvania's official state tree
- 🌱 Franklinia flowers emit a delightful fragrance that is most pronounced on warm afternoons and evenings, attracting pollinators and delighting observers
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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