Franklin Tree

Franklinia alatamaha

Theaceae · broadleaf deciduous tree · introduced

Last updated April 25, 2026

Quick Facts

Height

30 ft

Spread

6-15 ft

Growth Rate

Moderate

Light

Sun to Part Shade

Soil

Well Drained

Water

High

Hardiness

Zones 5a–8b

Bloom Time

July to August

Fall Color

Orange, purple, red

Origin

Georgia, no longer found in the wild

View full calendar (7 stages)

Stage	Typical Window	What to Look For
Bud break BBCH 07	Feb 15-Mar 15	Buds swelling and beginning to open; first green tissue visible
Leaf emergence BBCH 11	Mar 1-Apr 1	First leaves fully unfurled on new growth
Bloom start BBCH 61	Aug 1-Aug 31	First open flowers visible; flowers white
Bloom end / petal fall BBCH 69	Aug 15-Sep 15	Last petals falling; flower structures fading
Fruit/seed development BBCH 71	Sep 1-Nov 30	Fruit or seed structures forming; fruit color: brown
Fall color / leaf senescence BBCH 93	Oct 1-Nov 15	Leaves changing color; fall display beginning
Dormancy BBCH 97	Nov 15-Feb 28	Leafless; no active growth; dormant buds set

Data Maturity

Baseline Extension data. Expert review underway.