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Key characteristics

Family: Asteraceae
Height: 3-4 feet tall
Width: 1-2 feet wide
Flower color: Yellow with orange veining
Foliage color: Green, lance-shaped leaves
Bloom time: Mid summer to early fall
Light: Full sun
Water: Moderate
Maintenance: Low; cut back in late fall
Growing zone: USDA Zones 3-8
Wildlife: Attracts butterflies and bees

Perennials

Helenium 'Mardi Gras'

Mardi Gras Sneezeweed

Helenium 'Mardi Gras' is a lively cultivar celebrated for its golden-yellow petals brushed with streaks of orange and accented by a prominent, chocolate-brown cone at the center. Each petal features fringed edges, adding texture and a playful touch to the bright, festive colors. Named for its vibrant appearance reminiscent of a carnival, this cultivar brings a joyful, warm palette to the garden, making it a popular choice for late-season displays.

Light

Full sun

Water

Moderate

Bloom time

Mid summer to early fall

Find this plant

Works well in

Borders
Sun Gardens
Pollinator Gardens
Cut Flower Gardens

Companion plants

Shasta daisies · Asters · Catmint · Coreopsis · Bearded irises · Bee balm

Design tip

Fall bloom is its strength, and it earns a place near a path or seating area used late in the year. Give it open sun and room to fill out, and repeat it in threes or fives so the planting reads as one sweep instead of scattered dots.