Helenium’s are native to the eastern United States and have gone through amazing transformation through hybridization. Most Heleniums start blooming in late summer but ‘Mardi Gras’ begins in late June and keeps kicking for six to eight weeks, perfect for summer appreciation. The multicolored 2″ blooms have yellow petals that are lavishly splashed with orange red. The center cones of the flowers are deep brown and are skirted by these multicolored petals, providing wild color patterns. Give this plant plenty of room in the middle or back of a border, in full sun and well-drained soil.