Is Golden Candles good for the Colorado Front Range?

Yes, Golden Candles is a well-suited perennial for Colorado's Front Range.

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 to 9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 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.

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.

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Golden Candles

Thermopsis lanceolata

Compiled by Nicholas Julia · Reviewed against CSU Extension & Plant Select® · Updated 2026-10-30

Golden Candles (Thermopsis lanceolata) is a perennial suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 24 to 36 in tall and 18 to 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 to 36 in tall and 18 to 30 in wideXeric / water-wise

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 to 9
Water needs: low to medium water
Sun: Best in full sun; tolerates partial shade.
Soil: loam, sandy
Soil pH: 6.5 to 8.0
Hail tolerance: high
Wind tolerance: high
Salt tolerance: moderate

How big, what shape?

Mature size: 24 to 36 in tall and 18 to 30 in wide
Planting spacing: ~21 to 30 in apart

What it looks like, and when

Bloom time: late spring, early summer
Bloom color: yellow
Bloom length: 2 to 3 weeks
Foliage: Deciduous

Who else benefits

Pollinator value: high
Deer: Not rated
Colorado native: No

Also worth knowing

Fire rating: Not rated

Planting & establishment

Deep water every 1 to 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 to 36 in tall and 18 to 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 to 9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 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.
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.