N 
FRANKLINIA (Franklinia alatamaha. Gordonia alatamaha). 
THE RARE AND UNUSUAL FALL-FLOWERING TREE 
An exquisite tree indeed. It is most 
beautiful in its general landscape effect, with 
the first flowers opening in mid-August. 
The trees, even when very small are abun¬ 
dantly starred with blooms until Jack Frost 
nips hard. 
Every detail is of wondrous charm. 
Smooth dark green bark, with broken, 
wavering, light gray, longitudinal markings, 
covers a slender trunk and graceful branches 
so muscular and sinewy in appearance that 
one almost expects motion as under a grey¬ 
hound’s satin skin. 
The young leaves unfold a charming, 
delicate, bronzy red. At maturity they are 
5 to 6 inches long by lj/J to 2 inches wide, a 
rich dark green with red veining. In autumn 
the whole tree blazes with rich warm color. 
The flower buds are balls covered with 
whitish-green satin. When as large as 
marbles they unfold. The guard petal 
retains its firm, spherical form, and from its 
shelter four other petals emerge. They are 
satiny, snowy white, elaborately frilled and 
pleated. The snowy, frilly chalice, 3 inches 
in diameter and of piquant irregularity, 
holds a sumptuous mass of the richest orange- 
gold stamens and breathes forth a delicate, 
balmy fragrance. 
This lovely tree was found in Georgia in the latter part of the 18th century, but in spite of diligent 
search has not been found growing wild since 1790. Bailey’s Cyclopedia of Horticulture says of it: 
“Shrub or tree to 30 feet. It does well in sheltered position or with 
slight protection and blooms freely every year. A large tree in the 
Bartram Garden, near Philadelphia, was long supposed to be the only 
living specimen. All other specimens in cultivation are believed to 
have been propagated from the Bartram tree which has lately died”. 
The Franklinia appreciates a heavy humus soil with good drainage 
and assurance against drought. It makes an excellent associate for 
rhododendrons and azaleas. The plants we offer are very strong and 
vigorous, and the larger ones bloomed in their nursery last fall. 
The following prices include delivery 100 miles of Boston: 
Plants 12 to 15 inches high. $ 3.00 each 
Plants 18 to 24 inches high. 5.00 each 
Plants iy 2 to 3 feet high. 10.00 each 
Plants ?>y to 4 feet high. 15.00 each 
* The Thomas W. Emerson Company does not handle any other tree 
or shrub in the nursery line. The inclusion of this flowering tree, however, 
may show the importance we attach to it as a highly desirable landscaping 
sort, and one deserving of much greater publicity. In short, speaking a 
good word for an unusually worthy wonder of nature. 
The Franklinia 
Page Seventy-six 
RAND AVERY SUPPLY C0. t BOSTON. 
