Photo of Senna alata flower by Almost Eden

Photo by Almost Eden

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Senna alata

Also Known As

  • Cassia alata
  • Candlestick Tree
  • Christmas Candles
  • Empress Candlebush

Plant type

perennial

size

  • H: 6'-8'
  • W: 6'-8'

planting zones

  • 10a-11

More Options

Senna alata plant details

Senna alata is a broadleaf deciduous perennial with green foliage. In summer yellow flowers emerge. Attracts bees and butterflies making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and regular water. Does well in average and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Senna alata

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: fabaceae, rutaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 6 FT - 8 FT - wide, 6 FT - 8 FT - tall
Flowers: yellow blooms in summer
Uses: self-sowing

GROWING CONDITIONS for Senna alata

USDA Zones: 10a - 11
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: regular
Resistant to: heat
Soil needs: average and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Yellow bloom, spring-fall.
Tall candles to 18" high that are composed of golden yellow blossoms and buds rise well above the foliage of this popular pass along plant from mid to late summer well into fall for an outstanding show. The Candlestick plant is a moderately fast growing and vigorous sun loving tropical that is excellent for the back of the border. Attracts butterflies as well as serves as a host to Sulphur butterfly caterpillars.The University of Florida recommends pruning last year's plants hard in spring to promote branching and strengthening of the trunks. And the more branches you create the more Candelabra's you'll get to enjoy! With a protective mulch in mild winter climates the Candlestick Tree may return from the roots to grace your garden the next season but it is not always reliable. The Candlestick Tree does readily reseed, consider removing ripe seed pods to prevent unwanted seedlings.

Gardening facts about Senna alata plant

How to Grow Senna alata

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly sun
  • Water Needs

    • regular
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • yellow
  • Wildlife

    • bees
    • butterflies
  • Flower Season

    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous

See other plant types of Senna for your garden

aka Feathery Cassia, Silver Cassia

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

8b-11

Size

Height: 6'

Width: 6'

  • sun
  • regular - drought tolerant
Photo of Senna artemisioides flower, form by Annie's Annuals & Perennials
View Plant

More Options

aka Lindheimer's Senna, Velvetleaf Cassia

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

8a-11

Size

Height: 12"-36"

Width: 3'-6'

  • sun
  • regular
Photo of Senna lindheimeriana flower, foliage, form by Stan Shebs
View Plant

aka Cassia tomentosa, Buttercup Bush, Downy Senna

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

8b-11

Size

Height: 10"-12'

Width: 6'

  • sun - mostly sun
  • regular
Photo of Senna multiglandulosa flower by J.G. in SF
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aka Cassia marilandica, Maryland Senna, Wild Senna

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

6a-9b

Size

Height: 4'-6'

Width: 4'-6'

  • sun
  • occasional - drought tolerant
Photo of Senna marilandica flower by Almost Eden
View Plant

More Options

aka Senna artemisioides filifolia, Green Feathery Cassia, Green Feathery Senna

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

9a-11

Size

Height: 4'-6'

Width: 4'-6'

  • sun - mostly sun
  • low - drought tolerant
Photo of Cassia nemophila flower by Stan Shebs
View Plant
+6 more Senna
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