Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
The dark pink buds of the Mardi Gras Rhododendron open to reveal pale, purplish-pink flowers with dark pink highlights around the edges. The flowers grow in bunches for a truly spectacular look. While the blooms are the showstopper, the Mardi Gras Rhododendron has unique and noteworthy foliage. Glossy, deep green leaves have a reddish-brown indumentum that gives the foliage a felt-like texture.
This broadleaf perennial has a dense, spreading form. Feature this shrub in a bed, mass planting, or border. At 3 to 4 feet tall, the Mardi Gras Rhododendron is smaller than many other cultivars, but it is perfectly sized to create a low hedge or foundation planting. The showy blooms will stand out in a bed or mixed perennial planting. This low-maintenance plant grows in USDA zones 6 through 8.
Mardi Gras Rhododendron Care
Select a spot that receives 4 to 6 hours of sunlight. The Mardi Gras Rhododendron prefers afternoon shade. Use rich, well-drained, acidic soil. Rhododendron plants have shallow roots, so frequent water will keep new plants lush and healthy. Established plants do not need regular water but water during a dry spell.
Fertilize Rhododendron using a balanced plant food each spring. Deadheading is unnecessary, and the shrub can be shaped as needed after the flowers die back.
Mardi Gras Rhododendron Spacing
The Mardi Gras Rhododendron has a woody, branching structure that will reach 3 to 4 feet tall and 4 to 5 feet wide. Shrubs can be planted 3 to 5 feet apart to create a hedge or continuous planting.
Mardi Gras Rhododendron Plant Facts
Growing Conditions
- Hardiness ZonesGrowing Zones
- USDA Zones 6 to 8 (perennial); grown as an annual elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown indoors elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown in containers elsewhere (grown as a seasonal crop)
- Sun Exposure
- Full Shade to Part Sun (0-6 Hours Direct Sun)
- Mature Height
- 3-4 Feet
- Mature Spread
- 4-5 Feet
- Growth Habit
- , Upright
- Water Needs
- Consistently Moist
Flowers & Foliage
- Flower Colors
- , Pink
- Flower Description
- Pale, Purplish-Pink With Darker Edge
- Bloom Time
- Mid-Spring
- Blooms On
-
Old Wood
?
"Blooms on" tells you which stems produce flowers, which decides when it's safe to prune.
- New Wood: Flowers form on stems that grow this season. Prune in late winter or early spring without losing blooms.
- Old Wood: Flower buds form on last year's stems. Prune right after flowering. Pruning in fall or early spring removes next year's blooms.
- Both New and Old Wood: Blooms on last year's stems and again on new growth, so it flowers even after a hard winter or a mistimed pruning. Prune lightly after the first flush of blooms.
- When to Prune
- Right after flowering
- Foliage Color
- , Green
- Foliage Description
- Green
- Foliage Type
- , Evergreen
- Seasonal Interest
- , Spring Flowering
Garden Benefits
Plant Overview
- Common Name
- Mardi Gras Rhododendron
- Botanical Name
- RHODODENDRON 'MARDI GRAS'
Simple Plant Spacing Calculator
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons
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Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.
Plant Addicts ships to the lower 48 states within the U.S. Unfortunately, we do not currently ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally.
This plant cannot be shipped to the following states: AK, HI. These restrictions apply only to this specific plant due to agricultural regulations or other limitations. Other plants may still be available for shipping to these states.
If you have any questions about shipping restrictions, feel free to reach out to our team!