Contents
Description
The Franklinia Alatamaha is a rare and beautiful plant that was discovered in 1765 by John Bartram and his son William. It is native to the southeastern United States, specifically the Altamaha River valley in Georgia. The plant was named after Benjamin Franklin, who was a friend of John Bartram. The Franklinia Alatamaha is also known as the Franklin tree or the Ben Franklin tree. It is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 20 feet tall and 15 feet wide. The plant has a unique bloom time, from August to October, and it produces large, fragrant, white flowers with yellow centers. The leaves are dark green and glossy, and they turn a deep red in the fall.
Taxonomic Information
Domain: Eukarya
Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Angiosperms
Class: Eudicots
Order: Ericales
Family: Theaceae
Genus: Franklinia
Appearance
The Franklinia Alatamaha is a small to medium-sized tree with an upright habit. The bark is smooth and gray, and it has a scaly texture. The leaves are dark green and glossy, and they are simple, ovate to oblong in shape, and 2 to 5 inches long. The flowers are large, fragrant, white, and they have yellow centers. They bloom from August to October and have a cup-shaped appearance. The fruit is a brown, woody capsule that splits open when mature, revealing numerous small, winged seeds.
Care Guide
Water: The Franklinia Alatamaha prefers well-drained soil that is kept moist but not wet. It requires regular watering during the growing season, especially during dry spells.
Fertilization: Fertilize the plant in the early spring with a balanced fertilizer. Use a slow-release fertilizer that will provide nutrients throughout the growing season.
Soil: The Franklinia Alatamaha prefers well-drained, acidic soil. It is important to avoid planting the tree in heavy, clay soils.
Sunlight: The Franklinia Alatamaha prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate shade, but it may not bloom as well.
Hardiness Zones: The Franklinia Alatamaha is hardy in USDA zones 5 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Franklinia Alatamaha is generally disease and pest resistant. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if planted in poorly drained soil. It can also be attacked by scale insects, spider mites, and aphids. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
Habitat
The Franklinia Alatamaha is native to the southeastern United States and is found in the Altamaha River valley in Georgia. It grows in well-drained, acidic soil and prefers full sun to partial shade. The plant is rare in the wild, and most specimens are found in cultivation.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Franklinia Alatamaha difficult to grow?
A: The Franklinia Alatamaha can be challenging to grow, but it is not impossible. It requires well-drained soil, regular watering, and acidic soil.
Q: Can the Franklinia Alatamaha be grown in containers?
A: The Franklinia Alatamaha can be grown in containers, but it may not grow as large as it would in the ground. It requires a large container and regular watering.
Q: Does the Franklinia Alatamaha require pruning?
A: The Franklinia Alatamaha does not require pruning, but it can be pruned to control its size or shape. Prune in the early spring before new growth appears.
Q: How long does it take for the Franklinia Alatamaha to bloom?
A: The Franklinia Alatamaha blooms from August to October, and it can take several years for the plant to begin blooming.
Related Plants
- Theaceae – Camellia
- Theaceae – Stewartia
- Theaceae – Gordonia
References
- Dirr, M.A. (2009). Manual of Woody Landscape Plants: Their Identification, Ornamental Characteristics, Culture, Propagation and Uses. Champaign, IL: Stipes Pub. Llc.
- Wikipedia contributors. (2021, May 20). Franklinia. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 08:53, June 2, 2021, from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Franklinia&oldid=1024042889
- Spongberg, S.A. (1978). Franklinia alatamaha – A Reappraisal. American Horticultural Society, 53(6), 18-25.
