Mardi Gras Sneezeweed

Mardi Gras is the trade name for Helenium ‘Helbro’, a stiff-stemmed, upright selection with yellow ray petals splashed in orange and red around a deep brown center. It is described at about 36–40 inches tall and 25 inches wide, with flowers from summer into autumn and USDA hardiness zones 4–8. [Must Have Perennials](https://musthaveperennials.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Helenium.pdf) · [University of Wisconsin Horticulture](https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/helenium-helenium-autumnale/) ## Garden Use Place it toward the back of a sunny border, where its tall, patterned flowers can rise above shorter perennials. Sturdy stems make it useful for cutting, and its warm colors pair well with purple, blue, or pale yellow flowers. ## Growing Conditions Grow in full sun in moisture-retentive, fertile soil with good drainage. Maintain steady moisture through active growth; dry soil can shorten the display and leave lower foliage ragged. Allow space for an upright clump. ## Maintenance Remove spent flowers to keep the plant tidy and extend the display. Cut stems down after flowering or before new growth resumes in spring.