Frankilinia altamaha | Ben Franklin Tree | Franklin Tree | 5 Seeds

Description

Franklinia is a tree in the Theaceae family. Some common names include Ben Franklin Tree and Franklin Tree. A native to Georgia along the Altamaha River. It is the only species in the Genus. It has been extinct in the wild but survives as a cultivated ornamental tree but rarely found. It grows to around 30 feet tall when mature but mostly seen around 10 to 20 feet tall growing in a pyramid shape. The flowers have a similar smell of orang-blossoms or honeysuckle. It blooms in mid-summer to early winter. The leaves get 6 inches long and turn a beautiful red in the fall. This red backdrop for the white flowers is a beautiful sight to see. It has a hard time with transplanting, so be sure yours has good roots before attempting. Once established, it can live for 100 years. It prefers to grow in full sun to light shade with well-drained soil. Zones 6-9
Germination
Mix seeds and moistened soil together in a ziplock bag. Write the name on the bag. Place in the refrigerator for 30 days. Soak seeds for 12 hours. Sow seeds into a well-drained, sandy compost and cover seeds to their own depth with sand or grit. Place the seed tray in bright light and keep moist. Seeds may germinate slowly.