Golden Candles
Thermopsis lanceolata
Golden Candles (Thermopsis lanceolata) is a perennial suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 24–36 in tall and 18–30 in wide, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun to partial shade. Yellow lupine-like spires from a nitrogen-fixing legume; lupine alternative that's hardier.
Plant Select®low to medium water24–36 in tall and 18–30 in wideXeric / water-wiseZones 1–3 (can be planted near the house)Deer-resistant
Photos
- Photo 1: (c) Urgamal Magsar, some rights reserved (CC BY)
- Photo 2: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
- Photo 3: Agnieszka Kwiecień, Nova, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
- Photo 4: Shu Suehiro, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY)
- Photo 5: (c) Urgamal Magsar, some rights reserved (CC BY)
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3–9
- Water needs
- low to medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun; tolerates partial shade.
- Soil
- loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.5–8.0
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Firewise (defensible space)
- Zones 1–3 (can be planted near the house)
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 24–36 in tall and 18–30 in wide
- Planting spacing
- ~21–30 in apart
What it looks like, and when
- Bloom time
- late spring, early summer
- Bloom color
- yellow
- Bloom length
- 2–3 weeks
- Foliage
- Deciduous
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
- Colorado native
- No
Planting & establishment
Deep water every 1–2 weeks during establishment (first growing season), then water sparingly per Plant Select guidance.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Golden Candles good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Golden Candles is a well-suited perennial for Colorado's Front Range.
- How big does Golden Candles get?
- It matures to about 24–36 in tall and 18–30 in wide.
- How far apart do I plant Golden Candles?
- Space Golden Candles about 21 in apart for a faster, fuller bed, or up to 30 in apart for a looser planting.
- Is Golden Candles hardy on the Front Range?
- Golden Candles is hardy in USDA 3–9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Golden Candles need?
- It needs low to medium water once established.
- Is Golden Candles native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is Golden Candles deer-resistant?
- Golden Candles is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- Is Golden Candles a good firewise plant near the house?
- Golden Candles is a lower-fuel choice suitable in defensible-space zones 1–3, it can be planted near the house when kept well irrigated and maintained. This is general suitability guidance based on CSU Extension firewise plant lists, not a guarantee that any plant won't burn, a well-irrigated, well-maintained plant is the goal. Follow CSU Extension defensible-space guidance and check with your local fire district before planting in the wildland-urban interface.
- How long does Golden Candles bloom?
- Golden Candles blooms for about two to three weeks on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.
