How to Grow and Care for Candle larkspur

Candle larkspur, also known as Bee larkspur, Alpine delphinium, Dark Blue White Bee, Alpine larkspur

Candle larkspur requires careful attention to thrive well. They need access to full sun to partial shade and prefer rich, well-draining soil. A special care point for candle larkspur is their need for consistent moisture without waterlogging. Staking is often necessary to support their tall growth and protect them from strong winds. Due to their specific needs and susceptibility to pests like aphids and mildews, candle larkspur is considered a more difficult plant to care for.

Watering schedule: Every week

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun

Toxic to Human & Pets

In This Article

Planting and Growing Candle larkspur

Toughness	High
Care Level	Medium
Care Difficulty	Hard
Lifespan	Perennial, Annual
Watering Schedule	Every week
Sunlight Requirements	Full sun
Soil Type	Garden Soil
Soil pH	6-7
Planting Time	Spring
Hardiness Zones	3-7
Toxicity	Toxic to Human & Pets

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Varieties of Candle larkspur

Candle larkspur 'Giotto'

Candle larkspur 'Giotto' is a cultivar of Candle larkspur with unique semi-double flowers that have violet inner sepals and blue outer sepals. The flowers of the parent plant, and many of its varieties, are usually only one color. It is taller yet more compact than its parent, reaching a height of 2.5 m instead of 1.5 m and a spread of 60 cm instead of 90 cm.

Candle larkspur 'Mighty Atom'

Candle larkspur 'Mighty Atom' is distinct for its large, deep lavender flowers. A cultivar of Delphinium elatum, its name probably refers to this cultivar’s larger flowers compared to the other dwarf cultivars. Gardeners love it for its showy appearance as well as its hardiness and its appeal to butterflies and bees.

Candle larkspur 'Blue Dawn'

Candle larkspur 'Blue Dawn' blooms in early to mid-summer, attracting pollinators with its bright blue flowers. This wildflower grows in moist meadows and is toxic if ingested. Its name comes from the Latin word for dolphin due to its unique flower shape.

Candle larkspur 'Guardian Lavender'

Though larkspurs come in a variety of colors, candle larkspur 'Guardian Lavender' is one of the few cultivars with lavender blooms. It is the only lavender cultivar in the Guardian group of larkspurs. The Guardian larkspurs were bred for early blooming, vigor, and uniformity, and 'Lavender' is no exception. This cultivar blooms earlier than its parent, from spring to midsummer instead of midsummer to fall.

Candle larkspur 'Purple Passion'

Candle larkspur 'Purple Passion' is a stunning perennial with towering spikes of satiny, deep purple flowers that give the garden a touch of regal elegance. Its regal flowers, reaching up to 6 feet, beckon pollinators and represent the pinnacle of cold-hardy floral architecture. The plant thrives in full sun to partial shade, reveling in rich, well-draining soil and cool summer climates, which strengthen its vivid blooms and robust stature.

Common Pests & Diseases

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The Toxicity of Candle larkspur

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More General Info About Candle larkspur

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Quickly Identify Candle larkspur

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Candle larkspur features tall spikes adorned with deeply saturated blue flowers, each with a prominent spur that is characteristic of the species. The blooms are arranged in a multi-flowered raceme, presenting a striking display typically in the late spring to early summer. The plant's lush, green, deeply lobed leaves create a textured backdrop for the flowers. Reaching heights of up to 6 feet (1.8 meters), this perennial has a stately presence in the garden. Its upright habit and sturdy stalk assure a prominent vertical element among other flora.