Plant in spring or early fall to give plants the best start.
Choose a location that will allow roots to spread and branches to grow freely. Space plants far enough from building foundations, walls, and decks so that the growing foliage won’t crowd the structure. Consider whether tall trees or shrubs will block windows or interfere with the roof or power lines.
To prepare the planting area dig a hole as deep as the root ball and three times as wide. After removing the soil, mix it with some compost or peat moss. This enriches the soil and loosens the existing dirt so that new roots can spread easily.
To remove the plant from the container, gently brace the base of the plant, tip it sideways and tap the outside of the pot to loosen. Rotate the container and continue to tap, loosening the soil until the plant pulls smoothly from the pot. The container can also be removed by carefully cutting it down the side.
Set the plant in the hole. If the root ball is wrapped in burlap fabric this must now be removed along with any string or wire securing the burlap. If roots are tightly packed gently rake them apart with your fingers.
Return the soil to the planting area packing it firmly around the root ball. Fill the hole until the soil line is just at the base of the plant, where the roots begin to flare out from the main stem.
Water the plant well then add a 2” (5cm) layer of mulch, such as shredded bark, around the planting area. Keep the mulch at least 4” (10cm) away from the trunk of the plant as this can keep the bark too moist and cause it to decay.
On my red scarlet Texas flower has a dry bud on the top with seeds can I plant these r what r they
Hi Diane,
You can plant the seeds, however, keep in mind that ‘Texas Scarlet’ is a hybrid and that means the seeds may result in one of the parent plants, not another ‘Texas Scarlet’. Also, propagation by seed can be tricky. The seeds require the cold period of winter to break seed dormancy in the spring. You can mimic this cold period by placing the seeds in a refrigerator for a period of at least 1-3 months and then planting the seed. The only way to ensure getting another ‘Texas Scarlet’ plant is to take cuttings and propagate new plants.