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New England Gardening

Pls tell me about your Franklinia

16 years ago

I couldn't resist ordering a Franklinia through our conservation district. The one I received is about 5 feet tall, which I fear is a little bit large for transplanting. In any case, I'm looking for the perfect spot, and knowing how fickle they can be, I'm curious to know what has worked for other NE gardeners. Morning or afternoon sun, or both? Sheltered spot, and if so, how much so? How about soil conditions? Please share! Also, any photos would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

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Comments (4)

asarum
16 years ago
I have not planted a Franklinia yet. However, I have found a good source for information. www.bartramgardens.org.
John Bartram was the discovered of franklinia. The specifically address the difficulties of growing them with this advice:

Proper site selection and pre-planting preparation are crucial.

Plant a Franklinia in a site with excellent drainage, acidic soil enriched with organic matter with a pH between 5-6, and protection from strong winds.
The Franklinia tolerates full sun as well as dense shade, but fares best in partial shade (about a half day of sunlight).
Apply mulch lightly over entire root area and make sure it has adequate water in the summer, and through the fall when it still growing and flowering.
diggingthedirt
16 years ago
I think I lost 2 - maybe 3 - before I got my act together. Now I have 4 or 5 of them, in various conditions, from fairly constant shade (too much, I think) to full sun. The conventional wisdom is that these are understory trees and like some shade, but the 2 that are in full sun are doing much better than a couple that are on the north side of a mixed border, where they get little direct sunlight.

The key is watering enough while they're getting established - a thorough soaking and letting them dry out a bit between watering sessions. I let a hose drip on the rootball for several hours, maybe once a week if there is less than an inch of rain - and, the more sun the more water. And I agree with asarum - mulch is important.

On the "what's happening" thread, I mentioned that Dirr warns gardeners not to fall in love with this plant. He actually says "somewhat akin to a fickle lover, and may stay around and tease with its beauty, or simply leave... the garden, that is; it is best not to become smitten with this plant." To which I must add that it can be finicky, but when it blooms for you you'll be glad you went to the trouble to grow it.

Dirr also says "full sun or light shade, but best flowering and fall coloration occur in full sun". And he says that if you are "fortunate enough to procure this species [you] should give it a place of prominence in the garden."
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paigect
Original Author
16 years ago
OK, so I've changed my mind then on the location! Thanks so much for your input. Unfortunately, the ideal spot currently has a youngish styrax japonicus in it, but that can be moved since it will grow anywhere.

DTD, which Dirr book are you referring to? I have one, but those comments are not in it. Thx.
diggingthedirt
16 years ago
Manual of Woody Landscape Plants. It's a big as the NYC phone book, and has pretty much everything in it. I love the way he states his opinions! Not everyone agrees, but I think he's pretty honest. He doesn't like some plants that I love, like Dawn Viburnum, but his criticism is always explained well enough that you can see his point.

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