Acer palmatum 'Mardi Gras' Variegated Japanese Maple

Acer palmatum 'Mardi Gras' is an intensely variegated cultivar of the arildo nishiki type, displaying bright pink and white coloration on spring foliage with additional variegation persisting through summer and into fall, when the green areas shift to bright red while the variegated portions turn soft pink. The tree reaches 8-10 feet tall and 6-8 feet wide at maturity, growing approximately one foot per year with a full, dense upright habit. According to the growers at Mr Maple, this cultivar was introduced by Brian Upurch of Highland Creek Nursery and is notable for rarely reverting to solid green foliage. For best color intensity, plant 'Mardi Gras' where it receives early morning sun with afternoon shade protection in hot zones, avoid heavy fertilization (which promotes chlorophyll over variegation), and position it near a walkway to fully appreciate the kaleidoscopic leaf-by-leaf variation; light pruning in early February can further enhance the variegation on new growth.