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Dierama pulcherrimum
Angel's Fishing Rod
Eastern South Africa (Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal) and adjacent Lesotho and EswatiniLearn more
Overview
Dierama pulcherrimum is angel's fishing rod (wandflower), a cormous evergreen perennial growing 36-60 inches (90-150 cm) tall and 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) wide. Pendant bell-shaped magenta-pink to purple-pink flowers 1 inch (2.5 cm) on long arching wiry stems that sway in the slightest breeze in summer (June-August). The common name references the arching stem form resembling a fishing rod. The species name means 'most beautiful' (Latin superlative). Dark green narrow grass-like evergreen foliage 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) arising from deep-set corms. In the iris family (Iridaceae). Approximately 44 species in the genus Dierama, all from sub-Saharan Africa. The corms are deep-set and fragile — resents transplanting and root disturbance. Consistent moisture during the growing season — native to moist grasslands of eastern South Africa (Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal) at 3,000-6,500 feet (900-2,000 m). Does not tolerate prolonged drought. Slow to re-establish after division — may take 2-3 years to flower again. Self-sows where conditions are favorable. Hummingbird-visited. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant. Full sun. Zones 7-10. Growth rate is slow to moderate.
Native Range
Native to eastern South Africa (Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal) and adjacent Lesotho and Eswatini, growing in moist grasslands at 3,000-6,500 feet (900-2,000 m).Suggested Uses
Commonly planted at water feature edges, in borders, and in containers of at least 7 gallons (26 L) in zones 7-10. Position where air movement is present. Do not transplant once established. Consistent moisture. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 5'
Width/Spread1'6" - 2'
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
Summer (June-August), lasting 4-5 weeks. Pendant magenta-pink to purple-pink bell-shaped flowers on arching stems. The stems sway in the slightest breeze. Hummingbird-visited. Self-sows.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Magenta-pink to purple-pink, pendant bell-shaped, 1 inch (2.5 cm), on arching wiry stemsFoliage Description
Dark green, narrow grass-like, 18-24 inches (45-60 cm), evergreen, arising from cormsGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Full sun. Consistent moisture during the growing season — native to moist grasslands. Do not transplant or disturb once established (resents root disturbance). Deep-set fragile corms. Slow to re-establish after division. Non-toxic. Hummingbird-visited. Deer-resistant. Zones 7-10.Pruning
Remove spent flower stems at the base after bloom. Remove tattered foliage in late winter (February). Leave the evergreen foliage otherwise. Do not cut to the ground.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
winter
Maintenance Level
lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 7 gallons