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-wiseDeer-resistant
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At a glance
- Botanical name
- Thermopsis lanceolata
- Type
- Perennial
- Mature size
- 24–36 in tall and 18–30 in wide
- Planting spacing
- ~21–30 in apart
- Bloom length
- 2–3 weeks
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3–9
- Water needs
- low to medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun; tolerates partial shade.
- Colorado native
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- 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)
- Bloom color
- yellow
- Bloom time
- late spring, early summer
- Pollinator value
- high
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
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.
