Hybrid

Candle Light Blue Shades

Delphinium elatum

Wikimedia Commons

Uniform flowering time and plant height allows for efficient harvesting. Vigorous plants with excellent bloom and stem quality for cut flowers. Bred to perform well under short days for greenhouse production. Also suitable for garden beds and landscaping. Bloom color is a stunning sky blue with a clear white bee (flower structure at the center of each bloom). Blooms are large, full, and generously packed on sturdy stems. Compared to the Guardian series, Candle Light Blue Shades is slightly later to flower and slightly taller. Excellent performance in our fall-planted, overwintered, unheated high-tunnel trials. Attracts bees and butterflies. This species of delphinium is also known as candle larkspur. Perennial in Zones 3-7.

Harvest

105-125d

Days to harvest

📅

Sun

Full sun

☀️

Zones

3–7

USDA hardiness

🗺️

Height

3-5 feet

📏

Planting Timeline

Zone:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Start Indoors

Transplant

Direct Sow

Start Indoors

Transplant

Direct Sow

Showing dates for Candle Light Blue Shades in USDA Zone 7

All Zone 7 flower →

Zone Map

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Candle Light Blue Shades · Zones 3–7

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Easy

SeasonPerennial

ColorSky blue with white center

Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar

Zone	Indoor Start	Transplant	Direct Sow	Harvest
Zone 1	May – June	July – August	July – September	—
Zone 2	April – May	June – July	June – August	—
Zone 11	January – January	January – February	January – March	—
Zone 12	January – January	January – February	January – March	—
Zone 13	January – January	January – February	January – March	—
Zone 3	April – May	June – July	June – August	—
Zone 4	March – April	June – June	June – July	—
Zone 5	March – April	May – June	May – July	—
Zone 6	March – April	May – June	May – July	—
Zone 7	February – March	April – May	April – June	—
Zone 8	February – March	April – May	April – June	—
Zone 9	January – February	March – April	March – May	—
Zone 10	January – January	February – March	February – April	—

Complete Growing Guide

Light: Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day). Soil: High Organic Matter. Soil pH: Alkaline (>8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage. Height: 3 ft. 0 in. - 5 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 2 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 12 inches-3 feet, 3 feet-6 feet. Growth rate: Medium. Maintenance: Medium. Propagation: Seed. Regions: Mountains, Piedmont.

Harvesting

Candle Light Blue Shades reaches harvest at 105 - 125 days from sowing per Johnny's Selected Seeds.

Edibility: Toxic if eaten.

Storage & Preservation

Fresh cut stems should be placed immediately in cool water with floral preservative. Store in a cool location (50-65°F) away from direct sunlight and ripening fruit, which produce ethylene gas. Change water every 2-3 days for optimal vase life (7-10 days). For preservation: air-dry stems by hanging them upside down in a cool, dark, well-ventilated space for 2-3 weeks; press individual blooms between parchment paper under weight for dried flower crafts; or freeze stems in gel medium for specialty arrangements. Avoid storing near heating vents or warm surfaces.

History & Origin

Candle Light Blue Shades is an F1 hybrid developed through controlled cross-pollination. Listed in the Johnny's Selected Seeds catalog.

Origin: Europe to Mongolia

Advantages

+Uniform flowering and height enable efficient harvesting and consistent crop quality
+Stunning sky blue blooms with white bee centers create striking visual appeal
+Vigorous plants produce large, full flowers on sturdy, harvestable stems
+Performs excellently in short-day greenhouse production and fall-planted overwintered trials
+Attracts pollinators while suitable for cut flowers, gardens, and landscaping

Considerations

-Slightly later to flower than Guardian series requires longer production timeline
-Taller plant height may require staking or support in some garden settings
-Perennial only in Zones 3-7 limits growing regions for year-round cultivation
-Can attract Japanese beetles and spider mites in certain climate conditions

Companion Plants

Marigolds (Tagetes spp.) are the most practical companion here — they deter aphids and whiteflies through root secretions and volatile scent compounds, and since aphids are the main insect pest delphiniums contend with, that's a meaningful pairing rather than a decorative one. Sweet alyssum pulls in parasitic wasps and hoverflies, which prey on aphid populations. Plant it as a low edge along the front of a delphinium bed and it does pest-suppression work while filling the gap between 5-foot stems and bare soil. Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is worth including too — it repels aphids and spider mites and stays low enough not to shade out plants that need full sun to produce strong, upright stems.

Nasturtiums act as a trap crop: aphids find them irresistible and tend to pile onto the nasturtium instead of climbing the delphinium. You can either let predators clean them up there or just pull the nasturtium and bin it when it gets bad. Either way, it keeps the pressure off the plant you actually care about.

The harmful companions come down to soil chemistry. Black walnut (Juglans nigra) produces juglone — a compound that interferes with cellular respiration in sensitive plants — and it moves through the soil well beyond the canopy line via roots and decomposing leaf litter. Delphiniums are sensitive enough that planting near an established walnut is a reliable way to get poor establishment and slow decline. Eucalyptus has comparable allelopathic effects through its leaf drop. Sunflowers aren't chemically aggressive, but they're heavy drinkers that compete hard for moisture and can throw enough shade to weaken the tall, sun-dependent stems delphiniums depend on for structure.

Plant Together

Marigolds

Repel aphids, whiteflies, and nematodes while attracting beneficial insects

Sweet Alyssum

Attracts beneficial insects and provides ground cover to retain soil moisture

Nasturtiums

Act as trap crops for aphids and cucumber beetles, protecting nearby plants

Lavender

Repels moths, fleas, and mosquitoes while attracting pollinators

Petunias

Repel aphids, tomato hornworms, and squash bugs naturally

Cosmos

Attract beneficial insects and pollinators while requiring minimal water

Zinnia

Attract butterflies and beneficial predatory insects that control garden pests

Catnip

Repels mosquitoes, ants, and rodents more effectively than DEET

Keep Apart

Black Walnut

Releases juglone toxin that stunts growth and kills many flowering plants

Eucalyptus

Produces allelopathic compounds that inhibit seed germination and plant growth

Sunflowers

Release allelopathic chemicals that can stunt growth of nearby smaller plants

Troubleshooting Candle Light Blue Shades

What you'll see, why it happens, and what to do about it.

Black, water-soaked lesions at the base of stems, plant collapsing at soil level

Likely Causes

Crown rot (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum or Phytophthora spp.) — triggered by soggy soil or poor drainage
Planting too deep, burying the crown below the soil line

What to Do

1.Dig the plant and inspect the crown — if it's black and mushy all the way through, remove and dispose of it; don't compost it
2.Improve drainage before replanting: work in coarse grit or compost to raise the bed 3–4 inches
3.Keep the crown at or just above grade when planting or dividing

White powdery coating on leaves, usually showing up in mid to late summer

Likely Causes

Powdery mildew (Erysiphe aquilegiae or related species) — worse in humid conditions with poor airflow
Crowded spacing that traps moisture around foliage

What to Do

1.Cut affected stems back to the ground after flowering — delphiniums often push a second flush, and the new growth will be clean
2.Space plants at least 18–24 inches apart to let air move through
3.Apply a diluted neem oil spray (2 tsp per quart of water) at first sign if you want to slow the spread

Stunted new growth, distorted or curled leaves, sticky residue on stems

Likely Causes

Aphid colonies (often Myzus persicae or Aulacorthum solani) congregating on new growth
Ants farming the aphids — if you see ant trails up the stem, aphids are almost certainly present

What to Do

1.Knock aphids off with a strong stream of water from the hose — repeat every 2–3 days for a week
2.Introduce or encourage ladybugs (Hippodamia convergens); they'll work through a colony fast
3.If the infestation is heavy, spray with insecticidal soap, hitting the undersides of leaves where aphids cluster

Irregular ragged holes in leaves and young stems, damage heaviest at ground level in spring

Likely Causes

Slugs (Deroceras reticulatum most commonly) — active at night and after rain, especially on emerging shoots
Earwigs, which cause similar damage but leave more jagged edges

What to Do

1.Set out slug traps (shallow dishes of beer, sunk to rim level) near the crowns at night
2.Scatter iron phosphate bait (Sluggo or equivalent) around the base of plants — it's safe around pets and wildlife
3.Pull mulch back 4–6 inches from the crown in early spring; slugs use it as daytime cover

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do cut Candle Light Blue Shades flowers last in a vase?▼

When harvested at the optimal bloom stage and placed in fresh, cool water with floral preservative, these delphiniums typically last 7-10 days in a vase. Change the water every 2-3 days and recut the stems at a 45-degree angle to maximize longevity. Remove any foliage that would sit below the water line to prevent bacterial growth.

Is Candle Light Blue Shades a good choice for beginner gardeners?▼

Yes, this variety is marked as Easy difficulty and is excellent for beginners. It performs well in various growing conditions including garden beds, landscaping, and even unheated high tunnels. The uniform flowering time and plant height make it forgiving to grow. It attracts bees and butterflies, adding garden interest with minimal specialized care required.

Can you grow Candle Light Blue Shades in containers?▼

While these delphiniums are vigorous plants that typically reach substantial height, they can be grown in large containers (at least 12-15 inches deep) in full sun. Container growing may limit their ultimate height compared to in-ground cultivation. Ensure well-draining soil and consistent moisture. Tall, sturdy stems may require staking in containers exposed to wind.

When should I plant Candle Light Blue Shades delphiniums?▼

These are perennials hardy in Zones 3-7. Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost for flowering in their first year, or direct sow after the last frost date. The variety is noted for excellent performance in fall-planted, overwintered scenarios, making it suitable for fall seeding in prepared garden beds for early spring emergence.

What makes Candle Light Blue Shades different from the Guardian series?▼

Candle Light Blue Shades blooms slightly later than the Guardian series and grows slightly taller, making it ideal when later flowering and greater height are desired for cut flower production or landscape design. Both varieties are delphiniums suited to greenhouse and garden growing, but Candle Light Blue Shades offers distinct timing and stature benefits.

How much sun does Candle Light Blue Shades need to thrive?▼

This variety requires full sun, meaning at least 6+ hours of direct sunlight daily. Adequate sunlight ensures vigorous plant growth, excellent bloom production, and the stunning sky blue color with clear white bee markings for which this cultivar is prized. Insufficient light may result in fewer blooms and weaker stem quality.