Dierama pulcherrimum, Angel's Fishing Rod
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Herbaceous Perennials

Dierama pulcherrimum

Angel's Fishing Rod

Iridaceae

Eastern South Africa (Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal; moist grasslands)

At a Glance

TypeBulb
HabitClumping
FoliageEvergreen
Height36-60 inches (90-150 cm)
Width18-24 inches (45-60 cm)
Maturity3 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

7 - 10
Zone 7
Zone 8
Zone 9
Zone 10
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Attracts Hummingbirds
Deer Resistant
Container Friendly
Maintenancelow

Overview

Dierama pulcherrimum is a clumping, cormous, evergreen perennial reaching 36–60 inches (90–150 cm) tall with a spread of 18–24 inches (45–60 cm). This South African species produces long, arching, wiry flower stems that arch outward and downward under the weight of the pendant, bell-shaped flowers—creating the characteristic fishing rod silhouette. The flowers are 1–1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm) long, in shades of magenta-pink to purple-pink (variable from seed), borne in succession along the arching stem tips in June–August. The foliage is narrow, grass-like, evergreen, 24–36 inches (60–90 cm) long and 0.25–0.5 inch (6–12 mm) wide, dark green, forming a dense, upright basal clump. The corms are large, 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm), and deeply set. Growth rate is slow to moderate. Resents root disturbance—difficult to transplant once established. The arching, pendant flower display is at its most dramatic when the stems sway in wind. Marginally hardy in cold climates.

Native Range

Dierama pulcherrimum is native to eastern South Africa (Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal) and adjacent regions, in moist grasslands and stream margins at elevations of 3,000–7,000 feet (900–2,100 m).

Suggested Uses

Planted as a specimen or in groups of 3–5 at 18–24 inch (45–60 cm) spacing near water features, along pathways, or in open borders where the arching stems can sway freely in wind. Site where the pendant flower display can be viewed at or below eye level—beside a pond, on a slope, or atop a retaining wall. Functions in large containers of at least 7 gallons (26 L). The movement in wind adds kinetic interest. Not suitable for sheltered, still sites (the swaying effect is lost), heavy clay, cold zones below 7, or sites where it will need to be moved.

How to Identify

Distinguished from all other garden perennials by the extremely long, arching, wiry flower stems with pendant bell flowers that sway in wind—no other common garden plant produces this silhouette. Distinguished from Crocosmia by the pendant (versus horizontal or upfacing) flowers, the much longer arching stems, and the evergreen (versus deciduous) foliage. Distinguished from Gladiolus by the pendant (versus upfacing) flowers and the arching (versus upright) stems. The extremely long, arching, wiry stems with pendant magenta-pink bells swaying in wind above evergreen grass-like foliage are diagnostic.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height3' - 5'
Width/Spread1'6" - 2'

Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years

Colors

Flower Colors

pink
purple

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~5 weeks
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Summer
Pendant, bell-shaped flowers 1–1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm) long in magenta-pink to purple-pink appear in succession along arching stem tips in June–August. Bloom duration is 4–6 weeks. Color is variable from seed—ranging from pale pink through magenta to deep purple.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Magenta-pink to purple-pink, pendant bell-shaped on arching wiry stems

Foliage Description

Dark green, narrow grass-like, evergreen

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
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

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.0(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loam
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

2-3 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in full sun in moist, well-drained soil. Consistent moisture during the growing season. The evergreen foliage persists through winter in mild climates but may brown in cold zones. Hardy to zone 7 (5°F / −15°C)—marginal in colder zones even with mulch. Resents transplanting—choose the permanent site carefully and do not disturb established plants. Slow to establish from corms; faster from potted plants. No serious pest or disease problems.

Pruning

Remove spent flower stems after bloom. Comb out dead leaves from the base in late winter. Do not cut back the evergreen foliage. Do not divide unless absolutely necessary—the corms deeply resent disturbance.

Pruning Schedule

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Maintenance Level

low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 7 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic