The Candle Bush plant, also called the Candlestick plant or Senna alata, is a tropical perennial capable of reaching twelve feet high. The plants feature lush growth and yellow flowers resembling candles that bloom from late summer to fall. The Candle Bush
The Candle Bush plant, also called the Candlestick plant or Senna alata, is a tropical perennial capable of reaching twelve feet high. The plants feature lush growth and yellow flowers resembling candles that bloom from late summer to fall. The Candle Bush plant is drought-tolerant and weather-tough, making it a suitable plant for inexperienced and expert gardeners alike. With origins in the tropical Americas, Africa, and Southeast Asia, the Candle Bush is an annual in U.S. Department of Agriculture Hardiness Zones 7 to 9, but grows as a perennial in Zones 10 and higher.
Select a full-sun location for the Candle Bush plant where the soil is well-draining. Partial shade is tolerable, but not ideal. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks before the last frost for annual growth and transplant once the plant reaches ten to twelve inches tall. Alternatively, purchase potted seedlings from a local nursery.
Water the plant weekly when rainfall isn’t sufficient, to supply at least a half-inch of water and keep the soil moist. If grown as a perennial, the mature Candle Bush plant will become more drought resistant as it becomes established.
Weed the area around your Candle Bush plant regularly to decrease water competition. Apply one to two inches of mulch to the area, if desired, to cut down on weeds and retain water.
Feed your plant once a month with a half-strength solution of a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, to encourage it to reach its full height and produce lush blooms. As you apply fertilizer, remember to feed based on the current heig