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Key characteristics

Family: Ericaceae
Height: 4 to 5 ft
Width: 3 to 4 ft
Flower color: Soft lavender-pink to white blooms opening from dark pink buds
Foliage color: Dark green evergreen leaves with brown undersides
Bloom time: Spring to late spring (typically May)
Light: Part shade to part sun
Water: Moderate
Maintenance: Low to moderate; deadhead spent flowers and prune lightly only when needed
Growing zone: USDA zones 5 to 8
Wildlife: Spring flowers attract bees and other pollinators; evergreen structure offers shelter and cover for small birds and other garden wildlife

Shrubs

Rhododendron ‘Mardi Gras’

Mardi Gras Rhododendron

Rhododendron 'Mardi Gras' is a compact, broadleaf evergreen with dense, rounded growth and dark green leaves with tan indumentum beneath. In mid- to late spring, reddish-pink buds open to trusses of about 3-inch flowers, pale lavender pink to white with deeper pink edges and highlights. The clusters cap the foliage in color and draw bees and other pollinators through the main rhododendron season.

A yakushimanum hybrid raised by Robert M.

Light

Part shade to part sun

Water

Moderate

Bloom time

Spring to late spring (typically May)

Find this plant

Works well in

Shade Gardens
Borders
Containers
Woodland Gardens

Companion plants

Pieris · Japanese forest grass · Brunnera · Viburnum · Trillium · Lungwort

Design tip

Repeat ‘Mardi Gras’ through a mixed shrub planting to carry its rounded form across the garden and create continuity between larger plants. Its softly blended pink and white flowers keep the spring display lively without overwhelming neighboring shrubs with stronger colors.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)