Why can't you just take it out of the pouch and plant it sans pouch?

That's what I would likely do. However, one, I would be paying for this "advanced technology" when I'm not sure if I want it, and two, I know from experience with nurseries that sell stuff in "plantable" pots, like coir, etc., that sometimes removing plants from them can be tricky and cause root damage. It's usually minor and the plant overcomes it, but this would be a $200 purchase compared to a $15 purchase, so I want to make sure I have as much info as possible before buying.

I may have to bite the bullet and just try it, as I can't find this tree anywhere else that's reputable, but after being unemployed for a year this is a huge purchase for me, so I just want to see if there is any experience with these pouches - lol, whether it's planting in them or removing them!

:)

Dee

I do not have experience with this but often a warranty is voided if planting instructions are not followed. I would plant it as is and if something goes wrong, you will have appropriate recourse--especially important if this is a significant investment at this time for you.

I grew a bunch of holly cuttings in root pouches, just cut the pouch with a razor blade and peel it off before planting. It's supposed to help prevent circling roots and create more fine root tips, there is really no downside of it outside of production settings. I would remove the pouch before planting just so the tree gets into the field soil faster.

Wait, $200 for a mail order tree? I hope it is a large tree.

lets step back ... why are you planting a warm zone redbud which is borderline for your area ... when you have a perfect duplicate which is bulletproof??

note the link is monrovia ... go to your local dude and have them order one in for spring delivery ... if you really want to plant he zone pushing game ...

i would dig the hole .. place plant.. bag and all in the hole.. THEN cut off the bag ... and who cares about the piece that remains under it.. the roots will grow OUT.. not down ... and it will be so deep.. it wont wick water...

ken

https://www.monrovia.com/oklahoma-redbud.html

"lets step back ... why are you planting a warm zone redbud which is borderline for your area ... when you have a perfect duplicate which is bulletproof??"

She's planting an Oklahoma Redbud. What tree are you referring to that is bulletproof?

Hmm, the Oklahoma redbud should be hardy in zone 6, which is where I am. The last few years I've actually seen my area referred to as zone 7, I guess thanks to climate change! I still keep to the zone 6 designation, just to be safe.

I think ken is referring to an eastern redbud, which is at least one if not two zones hardier, but this is a bit bigger than I would like. The Oklahoma is a bit smaller.

The tree at sale is 5-6 feet tall, so I guess that's why it's expensive. Oops, just double-checked, it's actually $150 - I thought it was $175. Throw in shipping and any taxes and that's where I came up with $200. Hopefully it will be closer to $170, but it's still $170 I shouldn't be spending on the garden haha!

:)

Dee

i played the zone pushing game for a very long time ... and vegas had better odds ... if you think its impossible for you to have a z5 winter.. good luck with that.. i might even bet you my shiny penny.. you will eventually lose ... thats all i have left with all my zone pushing losses ...

and yes.. i was talking about the eastern redbud... ya know.. there is a reason one is called east.. and on west.. and you arent in the west.. lol ...

the heart breaking part of it all ... it will live 5 or 10 years.. and the winter after you say to yourself.. boy that looks great.. and im glad i rolled the dice.. is the when the winter from hell will hit... lived that nightmare..

part if it might be your micro climate.. and when it gets tall enough to no longer be shielded in said micro climate....

regardless.. live your dream.. we arent talking a lot of money here... so why not give it a go ... at best.. you can spend the next 10 years telling me i was wrong.. lol... that might make it worth trying.. lol ...

zone alone is not the only variable.. so be careful on using just that for plant choice ....

ken

ps: go to your best local nursery.. and ask them to order one in for spring delivery ... it is a monrovia plant ... everyone orders from them .. and if they tell you they dont order them in .. then you have your answer ... or if they tall you they will order it.. but not guarantee it ... then again.. your answer ...

Have you considered a Fringe Tree? Hardy from Zones 4-9.

So.... I thought from my reading that Oklahoma was a form of eastern redbud...???? Am I wrong?

Anna, I think I've considered every small tree known to man hahaha! I'm terrible at making decisions and keep looking at other options, so I don't dare look at anything else at the moment!

:)

Dee

It’s a cultivar. it says hardy from 6-9 for the Oklahoma. Ask your garden center if they are familiar with redbuds and how they perform in your area. They grow wild here so i kniw they do well.

Also, see if there are any local wholesale nurseries that offer retail hours to the public. We have one that sells trees and shrubs and I routinely save a lot. i just looked up his price for a 6-8’ Cercis “Merlot.” For a 7 gallon it’s $69.00.

“Oklahoma Redbud” is not a cultivar. It’s a naturally occurring wild variety of Eastern Redbud, hence the scientific notation as Cercis canadensis var. texensis.

It’s also very closely related to (and sometimes considered indistinguishable from) Cercis canadensis var. mexicana, a.k.a. ”Mexican Redbud.”

More info here:

https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/cercis-canadensis-var-mexicana/

Thanks for the clarification.