SCIENTIFIC NAME: Abelia x grand 'Mardi Gras'

COMMON NAME: Mardi Gras Abelia

GARDEN SIZE: 2-3 feet tall x 4-5 feet wide

GROWTH RATE: Moderate

USDA ZONE: 6-9

EXPOSURE: Full Sun to Part Shade

WATER & SOIL: Average to moist, well-drained and organically rich soil

HABIT (FORM): Compact, multi-stemmed, mounding shrub

FOLIAGE: Semi-Evergreen; Glossy variegated green and white leaves with pink blush on new growth, turning coppery-bronze in fall

FLOWERS: Shell pink; Slightly fragrant, blooms from late spring through early fall

PLANT ORIGIN: Hybrid

WILDLIFE SUPPORT: May provide some nesting sites and shelter for birds and small mammals, but does not serve as much of a host for local insects and wildlife. May provide food for insects when flowering.

FERTILIZING: Use a fertilizer for acid-loving plants (such as Holly-tone) in spring and fall

PRUNING: Prune after blooming finishes in the late fall to shape.

TOXICITY FLAGS: Generally considered non-toxic to dogs, cats, and horses.

USES: Foundation plantings, Accents, Borders