Our plant of the week this week is the Japanese maple. There are many different types, but most people know the bright red variety. The leaves also come in shades of lime green and maroon. Depending on the cultivar, you can get them as tall as 20 feet tall or as small as a dwarf tree. They can live to 100 years!
Japanese maples do best in USDA growing zones 5-8 and do well in the cooler parts of Louisiana. This tree prefers partial sun to partial shade, and should be planted with mulch to protect its roots. Afternoon shade is best to protect Japanese maples from being burned by the summer sun. These can tolerate most soil types, but need proper drainage and should be watered during a drought. After they’re established, they’re considered low-maintenance. For the first few years, it’s a good idea to fertilize in early spring.
Fun fact: deep-fried maple leaves are considered a delicacy in Japan 🍁 If you have any questions, let us know!

Spring is when everyone plants new flowers, and prepping your beds properly is very important! The soil you use should be fine, potting soil, preferably with sand in it to help with drainage. Our springs are usually wet and humid, and flowers sitting in wet soil can...