Ian Robertson, Ltd.
Plant of the Month
August
Franklinia alatamaha - Franklinia
If you have never heard the story of this tree - it is quite a curious one. This tree was last seen in the wild by John Bartram in 1770, along the Altamaha River in Georgia. He collected a few for his garden, and it may never have been seen since. Luckily, it does exist in cultivation.
In addition to being a bit rare and mysterious, this tree is a lovely specimen plant. It blooms from late July into mid-September. The white flowers resemble a Camellia bloom. The flowers are followed after a bit by good fall color. The bark is also interesting, being smooth, gray and fluted. The tree itself is fairly open and airy.
Although this tree deserves a spot of honor in your yard due to its beauty, rarity and mysterious history - it is not a tree to get attached to - particularly in the South. It may well succumb to a wilt caused by Phytophthora or possibly a disease that affects cotton.
Provide full sun for best flowering and fall color. Moist, acid, well-drained soil is required. It is best to move it in a small container or balled-and-burlapped.
Height: 10'-20'
Spread: 6'-15'
Zones: 5 to 8
