My Confederate Rose is about a year old, it developed what I believed was a scrape on the trunk from perhaps the yard man, but now it appears a second scrape is happening closer to the ground, so I am concerned something else is going on...I live in Texas and it has been very, very hot. I am going to attach a picture, hope someone will have some thoughts or comments. Thank you

Yup... looks like a mechanical injury.
Any chance of pic of entire plant?

Surprised that your plant hasn't sent out multiple stalks...
They're pretty carefree if there's enough moisture.... And... heat loving...

I will attach a picture of my sad little Confederate Rose, it looks thirsty, I water and it perks up a little, some yellow leaves, but just about the time I think it may be dying, a new leaf happens--I don't know how to help it

It looks as though you have done your best to defend it. Just keep it watered and hope for healing?

Are there some animal droppings there? Those spots on the trunk kind of look chewed. If it was chewed, it could be the desperation of thirst. I try to keep a couple of water dishes at ground level so thirsty animals can drink instead of trying to find moisture by damaging plants.

I don't think there are animal dropping, but just in case, I will do as you suggested---I didn't even think about an animal chewing, but could be.... so thats something to consider....thank you so much for you thoughts....

Happy to try to help your investigation. And your yard dude shouldn't have any reason to get near your tree except to trim the outside of the rock ring.

If you pull the stuff trying to get going around the edge on the inside, that should make it even more obvious. You could add some mulch such as shredded/chipped wood, leaves, straw, to cover the soil inside the circle to further inhibit stuff from trying to grow. Soon the shade from the tree will also help with that. A mulchy layer will also help maintain the moisture level underneath, retaining moisture longer than bare soil, and keeping the roots a bit cooler, maybe, for how much that is possible in your location. Best luck!

purpleinopp said: You could add some mulch such as shredded/chipped wood, leaves, straw, to cover the soil

Poor thing desperately needs to be mulched!!!

They're normally so easy!

Ok, I am going to add the mulch, I have been reading articles concerning the confederate rose and the articles said mulch should be inches away from the trunk, also that compost should be added in the Spring, do you think its too late to add compost?? Thanks again

It's never the wrong time for compost.