Perennial · Ranunculaceae family
candle larkspur
Delphinium elatum
In short a 10-second read
Candle larkspur (perennial) grows to 0.9–1.5 m tall and 0.6–0.9 m wide when mature. It grows best in full sun, in average soil. It flowers in June–July; the flowers are blue, purple, white or pink. Hardy to −37 °C.
× spread 0.6–0.9 m
Where to plant
Sun, soil, frost.
It grows best in full sun, in average soil. Hardy to −37 °C.
Sun
Elsewhere it will grow less well.
Soil and water
average · watering: moderate
Soil: humus-rich, loamy
Soil pH 6.5–8
Frost
It copes with a normal winter outdoors.
How much space it takes
Mature size.
The mature plant next to a person (175 cm).
Next to a person
Reaches maturity in about 2–5 years. The final size depends on the cultivar and the spot — we give the range from smallest to largest.
Calendar
What to do and when.
Months for Central Europe. The line shows the current month.
The year at a glance
Flowers
June–July · blue, purple, white or pink
Pruning
deadhead spent flowers (July–August)
Planting
container plant: March–May, September–November
Winter protection
mulch the crown
Overwintering
In winter it needs protection.
Before the first frosts: mulch the crown.
- Mulch the crown
- Hardy to −37 °C
- Dies back in winter and regrows in spring
What to combine it with
Same needs, different flowering.
They share the same sun and soil and flower in other months — so the bed flowers for longer.
Frequently asked
Quick answers.
When does candle larkspur flower?
In June–July; the flowers are blue, purple, white or pink.
Does candle larkspur tolerate shade?
No, it needs full sun.
How much space does candle larkspur need?
At maturity 0.6–0.9 m wide and 0.9–1.5 m tall; recommended spacing 60 cm.
Does candle larkspur survive winter outdoors?
Yes, with protection: mulch the crown.
Toxicity
Where the data comes from
We compared the data in 17 expert sources. Last checked 18 October 2026.
Show sources (17)
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox — Delphinium elatum
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder — Delphinium elatum
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — Delphinium elatum
- GBIF Occurrence Search API — Delphinium elatum
- Wikidata (CC0) — Delphinium elatum
- RHS - Delphinium elatum
- Iowa State Extension - How to Plant Perennials
- RHS - How to grow perennial plants
- Perennials.com
- Tox Info Suisse — Giftige Garten- und Wildpflanzen
- BfR / GIZ — Liste giftiger Pflanzenarten
- Invasive plant lists — this species is not on them: EU, Slovakia, Czechia, Germany, Poland, Denmark
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