Candle Larkspur: A Towering Beauty for Your Garden
If you’ve ever dreamed of adding some serious height and drama to your flower beds, candle larkspur (Delphinium elatum) might just be the showstopper you’re looking for. This perennial forb creates spectacular vertical displays that can transform any garden into something truly magical.
What is Candle Larkspur?
Candle larkspur is a perennial flowering plant that belongs to the buttercup family. As a forb, it’s an herbaceous plant without significant woody tissue, meaning it dies back to the ground each winter and emerges fresh each spring. Don’t let that fool you though – this plant means business when it comes to making a statement in your garden.
Native Status and Distribution
Here’s something important to know upfront: candle larkspur isn’t native to North America. It’s been introduced from its original range and now reproduces spontaneously in the wild across Alaska, Canada, and the lower 48 states. You’ll find established populations in British Columbia, Alaska, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Saskatchewan, Michigan, and Wisconsin.
Why Gardeners Love (and Sometimes Struggle With) Candle Larkspur
There’s no denying the appeal of candle larkspur’s towering flower spikes. These beauties can reach impressive heights and produce densely packed flowers in shades of blue, purple, pink, and white. They’re absolutely perfect for:
- Creating dramatic backdrops in perennial borders
- Adding vertical interest to cottage-style gardens
- Providing excellent cut flowers for arrangements
- Attracting pollinators like bees and hummingbirds
However, candle larkspur isn’t exactly what you’d call low-maintenance. These plants have some specific needs and can be a bit finicky about their growing conditions.
Growing Conditions and Care
Candle larkspur thrives in USDA hardiness zones 3-7, which tells you something important – it loves cool weather. Here’s what you need to know about keeping these plants happy:
Light and Soil: Provide full sun to partial shade and rich, well-draining soil. These plants are heavy feeders and appreciate soil that’s been amended with compost or well-aged manure.
Climate Preferences: Cool summers are key to success. If you live in an area with hot, humid summers, you might find candle larkspur challenging to grow long-term.
Support Systems: Those tall flower spikes are gorgeous, but they definitely need staking to prevent them from toppling over in wind or heavy rain.
Planting and Maintenance Tips
Here are some tried-and-true tips for growing healthy candle larkspur:
- Plant in early spring or fall when temperatures are cool
- Space plants adequately to ensure good air circulation
- Install stakes early in the season before plants get too tall
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage additional blooms
- Provide consistent moisture, but avoid waterlogged conditions
- Apply mulch to keep roots cool and retain moisture
A Word About Alternatives
While candle larkspur can be a stunning addition to the right garden, it’s worth considering some native alternatives that might be easier to grow and better for local ecosystems. Native plants like wild bergamot, cardinal flower, or native asters can provide similar vertical interest and dramatic blooms while supporting local wildlife more effectively.
The Bottom Line
Candle larkspur is undeniably beautiful and can create breathtaking displays in the right conditions. If you have cool summers, rich soil, and don’t mind providing some extra care and attention, it might be worth trying. Just remember to give it the support it needs – both literally with stakes and figuratively with proper growing conditions. And if you find it challenging, don’t feel bad about exploring native alternatives that might be better suited to your local climate and ecosystem.
