<em>Dierama</em>, angel's fishing rod: planting, cultivation and care

Description and botany

Dierama are evergreen perennial plants that form clumps of fine leaves from which long, flexible, arching flowering stems arise. There are 44 species. The species most commonly grown in gardens is Dierama pulcherrimum. Dierama pendulum and Dierama igneum are also sometimes cultivated, as well as numerous horticultural varieties. Dierama originate from East and South Africa: from the Cape region of South Africa up to Ethiopia. The greatest species diversity is observed in the KwaZulu-Natal region of South Africa, particularly in mountainous areas. They are mainly found in wet meadows or rocky meadows, depending on species. They grow in open medium, which explains their preference for full sun.

Dierama belong to the family Iridaceae (2,300 species), like Iris, Gladiolus, Crocus and Freesia. These are mostly herbaceous plants, often with underground storage organs (corms, bulbs, fleshy roots, rootstock…). They are also monocotyledonous, generally having linear leaves with parallel veins and flowers with three sepals and three petals.

Dierama are poetically nicknamed “Angel’s Fishing Rod”. In English, Dierama is called “Angel’s Fishing Rod” (the same meaning), or “Fairybells”, referring to the plant’s fairy-like appearance. In Latin, the genus name comes from the Greek Dierama and means “funnel”, alluding to the shape of the flowers. The specific name pulcherrimum means “very beautiful, superb” in Latin. The name “pendulum” refers to the flowers that hang from the ends of the stems.

Dierama are notable for their very elegant silhouette. They form a clump of fine, upright leaves, resembling a tuft of grasses. From there emerge long flowering stems, first erect then trailing.

Dierama measure between 60 cm and 1.5 m, and up to 2 m for the tallest. By contrast, Dierama trichorhizum is smaller, only 40–60 cm tall. Generally, leaf clumps hardly exceed 60–80 cm in height; Dierama really gain height when the flowering stems appear.

Dierama observed in the wild in South Africa

Dierama develop slowly; they need time to establish and grow. When grown from seed, they take several years before flowering. Patience is quickly rewarded by the refinement of the bloom. Over time, Dierama can form dense clumps. It is really preferable not to disturb them, but to leave them in place for several years.

Like Gladiolus, Crocosmia or Crocus, which also belong to the Iridaceae family, Dierama produce their stems and foliage from corms: underground storage organs resembling bulbs. They consist of a swollen stem that contains nutrient reserves. Dierama corms are rounded and flattened, and are enveloped in external fibrous layers (tunicate). They are renewed every year: new corms develop above the old ones, but the old ones remain in place for years, forming chains of stacked corms, as in Crocosmia.

Flowering occurs in summer, between June-July and September, depending on variety, and has the advantage of lasting a long time. Long, thin, very flexible flowering stems then emerge from the leaf clump. They are first erect, then naturally curve under the weight of the flowers. This erect-then-trailing form gives them the name “Angel’s Fishing Rod” (especially as these plants often grow in wet places, on the edges of ponds or waterways). The flowers really give the impression of being suspended, as if hung on a thread. They have a graceful, fairy-like aspect. Because of their flexibility, the flowering stems sway in the wind, bringing movement to the garden.

The inflorescence is a panicle composed of several small spikes of flowers. The flowers are elongated, bell-shaped and nodding. They measure between 3 and 6 cm in length. They consist of six coloured tepals (petals and sepals having the same shape and colour), and are surrounded by dry, membranous bracts.

Flowers of the type-species Dierama pulcherrimum are a lovely soft pink. But there are many varieties ranging from pale pink, and even white (Dierama ‘Guinevere’), to deep purple (Dierama ‘Merlin’ or ‘Blackbird’), almost black, with many shades of pink in between! Dierama igneum has salmon-pink flowers. Sometimes Dierama flowers lean towards red, burgundy or orange. There are also species with pale yellow flowers, such as Dierama pallidum, and even a variety with bluish flowers: Dierama ‘Blue Belles’… However, these shades are fairly rare among cultivated Dierama, most having pink flowers.

Dierama flowering is generally quite bright. Shades can be soft, pastel, or more pronounced, but they are always delicate and refined. When flowers are soft pink, Dierama fit beautifully into romantic gardens. White-flowering forms have a sober, chic and very elegant aspect, ideal for modern, graphic gardens.

Although most of the time Dierama have pink flowers, some also offer other shades: Dierama ‘Guinevere’, Dierama igneum (photo Peganum), Dierama ‘Blackberry Bells’ and Dierama ‘Blue Belle’

They are also melliferous, appreciated by pollinating insects, notably bees. The flowers contain nectar, which insects feed on while carrying pollen from one flower to another.

The leaves are long, narrow and erect, resembling grass leaves… which makes them pair nicely with grasses. Leaves do not have a distinct central vein, but longitudinal, parallel veins. They measure between 50 and 90 cm in length. They also have a lovely green, sometimes slightly greyish, hue. Leaves are characteristic of monocotyledonous plants: long and narrow, linear, with parallel veins.

Foliage is evergreen, so it remains in place during winter. The plant does not have a true dormancy period (unlike other bulbous plants or corms that can be lifted and stored dry for winter). It slows down in winter and can tolerate lack of water, but remains in place to resume growth in spring and flower in summer.

Dierama form handsome clumps of long, narrow, graphic leaves

After flowering, Dierama produce hard, spherical capsules. These contain numerous small brown, angular seeds that require winter cold to germinate. You can harvest them to propagate the plant. But Dierama are also capable of self-seeding in the garden! However, seedlings will take several years before flowering.

Dierama fruits (capsules) containing seeds

Main varieties

Most popular varieties

Our favourite varieties

Other varieties to discover

Dierama pulcherrimum

Our star variety, best known and most common in gardens! It produces long flexible stems in summer that bear pink bell-shaped flowers in a fairly soft shade.

• Flowering time August to October
• Height at maturity 1 m

See the product sheet

Dierama Guinevere

Superb variety with pure white flowers. Particularly elegant and graceful, adds brightness to beds, helping to lighten planting schemes. Its white flowers are easy to combine with a range of colours.

• Flowering time August to October
• Height at maturity 1,10 m

See the product sheet

Dierama trichorhizum

Dierama trichorhizum is a fairly low-growing species (40–60 cm tall). Less common than other varieties, it produces flowering stems in summer that bear pink flowers at their tips.

• Flowering time July to September
• Height at maturity 40 cm

See the product sheet

Dierama pendulum var. robustum Blackberry Bells

Variety stands out for its bell-shaped flowers in a superb purple colour. Valued for their deep, intense, rather dark hue.

• Flowering time August to October
• Height at maturity 1 m

See the product sheet

Dierama erectum Pink Rocket

Dierama with pink flowers and a fairly compact habit, shorter than other varieties. In summer it sends up numerous flowering stems bearing lovely pink bells. Its stems are also more erect and less trailing than those of other Dierama.

• Flowering time September, October
• Height at maturity 75 cm

See the product sheet

Dierama pulcherrimum Merlin

Variety 'Merlin' bears bells in a superb dark purple shade. Valued for its intense, almost black colour, ideal for bringing contrast and originality to the garden!

• Flowering time August, September
• Height at maturity 1 m

See the product sheet

 

Other varieties to discover

Dierama pulcherrima Slieve Donard Hybrids - Angels fishing rod seeds

This Dierama bears bell-shaped flowers that are declinated in various shades: light and darker pink, purple, reddish... A selection that offers a lovely harmony of colours.

• Flowering time July to September
• Height at maturity 1,20 m

See the product sheet

Dierama pulcherrimum Blackbird

This variety offers fairly dark, purple flowers. Valued for its elegant, intense and refined flowering. Perfect for creating striking contrast effects in the garden.

• Flowering time August to October
• Height at maturity 1,20 m

See the product sheet

Dierama igneum

This Dierama has salmon-pink flowers, a shade that provides a change from other pink-flowered varieties. It is also lower than others and has better tolerance of poor, dry soils.

• Flowering time July to September
• Height at maturity 60 cm

See the product sheet

Planting Dierama

Where to plant?

Dierama plants thrive in full sun. They need plenty of light. As Dierama is a somewhat tender plant, choose preferably a location sheltered from cold winds.

In the wild, Dierama grow, among other places, in damp or marshy meadows. They will appreciate being planted in cool to moist soil. You can quite happily place them on the banks of a pond. In all cases, it is important that soil does not dry out in spring and summer. They also appreciate fertile, humus-bearing soils. Thus, you can add some compost (at planting and later during growth) to enrich the soil. They also like light, friable and deep soils. The substrate must be well draining, permeable, so that water can penetrate deeply rather than remain on the surface. Waterlogging in winter could rot the corms. Dierama also prefer slightly acidic or neutral soils, but do not like very calcareous substrates.

Dierama can be planted in a mixed-border, behind lower-growing plants. They help lighten borders and add volume. They are also perfect for a cool rockery. As Dierama is a fairly tall plant with a very graceful habit, you can position it as a specimen, for example on a short grass meadow, to really show it off.

You can also plant it in a pot. However, you will need to be more careful not to let the substrate dry out, watering more regularly than in the ground. If you live in a cold region, pot culture is a very good solution to allow easy wintering of the plant by moving it under cover as soon as temperatures fall.

They are well suited to seaside gardens, as they enjoy mild temperatures (they are somewhat tender), and tolerate sea spray. In addition, wind creates lovely effects by moving the little bells.

We recommend choosing their location carefully, once in place, they prefer not to be disturbed. They grow slowly and need time to establish well.

When to plant?

Dierama are planted in spring (April–May), when soil has warmed and temperatures become milder. The most important is to avoid periods of frost or very hot weather.

How to plant?

For planting in ground, with Dierama in pot or bucket :

1. Place the rootball in a basin of water. This rehydrates it and helps establishment and subsequent watering.
2. Prepare the area: loosen soil, break up clods and remove weeds and large stones. Optionally add coarse material to improve drainage: coarse sand, gravel…
3. Remove your Dierama from its pot, gently tease the rootball to loosen the roots a little, and place the plant in the soil. The collar should be level with the soil surface, at the same level as when the plant was in its pot.
4. Backfill the hole with soil around the plant and firm with the flat of the hand.
5. Water thoroughly.

Once in place, Dierama take a long time to develop and grow. We recommend continuing to water regularly during the year of planting.

You can also grow Dierama in a pot: choose a fairly large container, place a drainage layer at the bottom (gravel, broken pottery, clay balls…), then a rich, well-draining potting compost. Position the plant and water generously.

If you plant corms directly, and not a plant in a bucket, bury them 6 to 7 cm deep.

Dierama pendulum

Care

Dierama needs soil to stay relatively cool in spring and summer. We recommend watering for at least the first year. It will become more resilient over time. Be more vigilant if growing Dierama in pots, as potting mix may dry out fairly quickly. You will therefore need to carry out regular watering during growth and flowering, from spring to summer, but can stop watering in autumn and winter.

We recommend installing a layer of mulch around the clump, to prevent weed growth, stop soil from drying out too quickly, and enrich soil as it decomposes. Use, for example, BRF or dead leaves.

As it prefers fertile, fairly rich soil, you can give it fertiliser or well-rotted compost in spring. This will encourage growth and flowering.

Dierama are somewhat tender plants. Protect them from cold when temperatures begin to fall (unless you live in an area with a particularly mild climate, such as the Mediterranean region, in which case they may not need protection). Lay a thick layer of mulch around the clump, made of dry leaves, or use horticultural fleece.

Dierama is not pruned: doing so could weaken it and slow its growth. However, in early spring you can tidy the clump by removing old leaves when they are brown, damaged or dry.

Dierama is not particularly susceptible to diseases or pests. They may occasionally be attacked by red spider mites or aphids. Against red spider mites, we recommend spraying water onto foliage of your Dierama, as these mites dislike humidity. Against aphids, you can spray black soap diluted in water.

Propagation: sowing, division

To multiply Dierama, we recommend division, because this technique is simpler and quicker than sowing, and ideal for regenerating clumps which, over time, can become too dense and less floriferous.

Sowing

You can buy seeds commercially, or harvest them from your young plants. It is preferable to sow fresh seeds, harvested recently. Sowing is possible in spring or autumn.

We recommend placing the seeds in the fridge for about 2 weeks before sowing, as a period of cold favours germination by imitating winter temperatures.

1. Prepare a pot by filling it with a free-draining substrate, ideally seed compost.
2. Sow the seeds on the surface.
3. Cover with a thin layer of sieved compost.
4. Water with a fine spray.
5. Place the pot under cover in a bright spot. Ideal temperature is around 15 °C.
6. Continue to water regularly to keep substrate slightly moist.

When they have reached a size that allows handling, you can pot them on into individual pots, then plant out in ground in spring as soon as risk of frost has passed. Then you must be patient… Dierama from sowing take at least 5 to 6 years to flower.

Dierama may also self-sow spontaneously. You can then dig up the young plants and move them to another location.

Dividing clumps

Over time, Dierama can become exhausted and less floriferous. Division therefore regenerates clumps and produces several young plants to place in different parts of the garden. It also helps to open up clumps that have become too dense. However, avoid doing this too often because Dierama do not like being disturbed! This can interrupt their flowering for several years.

The best time to divide clumps is spring, but it is also possible to do it in autumn.

1. Choose a well-established clump a few years old.
2. Carefully lift it, digging wide and deep enough. Take care not to damage the roots, which are fairly fragile. Divide the clump by separating it into several pieces.
3. Replant immediately, in ground if possible, after preparing the soil.
4. Water generously.

Continue to water regularly in the weeks that follow. Dierama from division generally take two years before flowering again… Be patient!

Using and pairing Angel's Fishing Rod in the garden

Dierama with soft pink or white flowers will fit easily into a very romantic garden. Enjoy the graceful aspect of Dierama and pair them with other delicate flowering plants. Favour pastel, soft shades such as pink, white, blue-grey (even silvery), apricot, mauve… Choose, for example, roses, gypsophilas, Japanese anemones, lilies, clematis, Digitalis purpurea, Buddleia, Artemisia arborescens ‘Little Mice’… Also enjoy the lavateras and the hollyhocks. Install a pergola or arbour (on which you can train roses and clematis), a small wrought-iron table and chairs to create an intimate, delicate space.

An example of a pairing for a romantic scene: Dierama pictum, Astrantia major ‘Ruby Star’, Artemisia mauiensis ‘Makana Silver’, Digitalis purpurea ‘Nevadensis’, and old rose ‘La France’

For an always very delicate style, you can plant Dierama in a cottage garden with Phlox paniculata, Digitalis purpurea, lupins, ferns, agapanthus, penstemons, Salvia nemorosa… Create a lush-looking garden, with plants in blue, mauve and white tones and abundant foliage…

As they appreciate cool to even damp soils, you can plant Dierama near a pond or water feature. Pair them with ferns, lysimachias, meadowsweet, Asian primroses, Gunneras… Also enjoy elegant blue flowering of Iris laevigata. You will obtain a fresh, green, very natural-looking scene, ideal for recharging.

Its very free, airy, light silhouette makes it suitable for a naturalistic garden. Plant Dierama with Gaura, Veronicastrum, Knautia, agastaches, Echinops, Veronica spicata… And above all, with many grasses: Miscanthus, Panicum, Stipa tenuissima, Pennisetum… Design a garden with very free shapes, an almost untidy aspect. Also favour melliferous plants.

Angel’s fishing rod pairs particularly well with grasses. Its foliage strongly resembles that of grasses, and its flowers are as light as the panicles of Panicum or Calamagrostis! These are plants that impress with their elegant, airy, very free silhouette.

→ Discover other ideas to pair Dierama in the garden!