Franklinia is one of those plants that has a striking beauty few others have. Extirpated from the Georgia wild sometime around 1800; the plants that we grow today are descendants from plant the Bartrams grew from seed they collected before that mysterious disappearance. The back story alone is worth a read, but for those of you more interested in the plant here is what you need to know. First, it flowers late in summer, with a flush usually in August. However, I've seen it bloom much earlier. The fall color is a wonderful, glossy blend of reds, oranges and purples (with a little yellow). I see many late flowers still hanging delicately from the branches after the fall color has started making for an interesting look. As for soil, well, we find that it likes a humus rich soil with plenty of weather protection. Drainage seems to be that of the moist well drained variety, but if you find something that works that is different let us know. So if you can satisfy those conditions the only other thing you need is luck. And that I wish you, because this plant is worth a little risk.

Environment:  Xeric  Dry/Mesic  Mesic  Wet/Mesic  Hydric

Exposure:  Shade  Part Shade  Morning Sun  Full Sun

Bloom Period:  Spring  Summer  Fall