shrub RHS Award

Mardi Gras Abelia

Abelia grandiflora 'Mardi Gras'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

30 inches

Width

48 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Long-lived shrub

Native To

Hybrid origin

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

Abelia x grandiflora is a hybrid shrub known for its graceful, arching branches and long season of fragrant, bell-shaped flowers. It is a tough, reliable landscape plant. 'Mardi Gras' is a compact, variegated cultivar featuring striking foliage that emerges with pink tints, maturing to green with creamy white margins. The variegation holds up well in sun.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

The tri-color variegated foliage provides year-round interest, complemented by a long season of fragrant white flowers from summer to fall. Its compact, mounding habit is perfect for adding structure and color to small spaces.

This tough shrub works well as a low, informal hedge or foundation planting. Its dense growth habit can help with weed suppression when planted in masses.

The tubular flowers are a valuable source of nectar for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, supporting local pollinator populations throughout its extended bloom period.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Choose a location with full sun to part shade and well-drained soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball.
Amend soil with compost to improve drainage and fertility.
Place the plant in the hole, ensuring the crown is level with the soil.
Backfill the hole and water thoroughly to settle the soil.
Apply a 2-inch layer of mulch around the base.

Pro Tip

For the best foliage color and most prolific blooms, provide at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during the first year to establish a strong root system.
Prune in late winter or early spring to shape and remove dead wood.
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring.
Provide good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.

Don't

Don't plant in poorly drained, waterlogged soil.
Avoid heavy shearing, which can ruin its natural arching form.
Don't over-fertilize, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth with fewer flowers.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Colorful foundation plantingBright accent in mixed bordersLow informal hedge

Companion Plants

Spiraea japonica 'Goldmound' Loropetalum chinense Carex 'Evergold' Heuchera 'Palace Purple'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Mardi Gras Abelia questions

What zones can Mardi Gras Abelia grow in?

Mardi Gras Abelia is hardy in USDA Zones 6–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Mardi Gras Abelia deer resistant?

Yes — Mardi Gras Abelia is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Mardi Gras Abelia bloom?

Mardi Gras Abelia typically blooms in early summer through early fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Mardi Gras Abelia need full sun?

Mardi Gras Abelia does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Mardi Gras Abelia drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Mardi Gras Abelia handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.