<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. About 44 species are recognised. The species most commonly grown in gardens is Dierama pulcherrimum. Dierama pendulum and Dierama igneum are also sometimes cultivated, as well as many horticultural varieties. Dierama are native to East and South Africa: from the Cape region of South Africa up to Ethiopia. Greatest species diversity is found in KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa, notably in mountainous areas. They are mainly found in moist meadows or rocky grasslands, depending on species. They grow in open habitats, which explains their preference for full sun.

Dierama belong to the family Iridaceae (c. 2,300 species), alongside iris, gladioli, crocus and freesia. These are mostly herbaceous plants, often with underground storage organs (corms, bulbs, fleshy roots, rhizomes…). They are also monocotyledones, generally bearing linear leaves with parallel veins and flowers with three sepals and three petals.

Dierama are poetically nicknamed “Angel’s Fishing Rods”. In English, Dierama are called “Angel’s Fishing Rod” (same meaning), or “Fairybells”, referring to the plant’s fairy-like appearance. In Latin, the genus name derives from Greek Dierama, meaning “funnel”, an allusion to the shape of the flowers. Specific epithet pulcherrimum means “very beautiful, superb” in Latin. The epithet pendulum refers to the flowers that hang from the tips of the stems.

Dierama are notable for their very elegant silhouette. They form a tuft of fine, upright leaves, resembling a clump of grasses. From these arise long flowering stems that are initially erect and then become trailing.

Dierama range from 60 cm to 1.50 m, and up to 2 m for the tallest forms. By contrast, Dierama trichorhizum is smaller, reaching only 40–60 cm. Generally, leaf clumps seldom exceed 60–80 cm in height; Dierama gain most of their vertical presence once the flowering stems appear.

Dierama observed in the wild in South Africa

Dierama develop slowly; they need time to establish and grow. When raised from seed, they take several years before flowering. Patience is rewarded by refined blooms. Over time, Dierama can form dense clumps. It is preferable not to disturb them and to leave them in place for several years.

Like gladioli, crocosmias or crocus, which also belong to Iridaceae, Dierama produce their shoots and foliage from corms: underground storage organs resembling bulbs. Corms are swollen stems that contain nutrient reserves. Dierama corms are rounded and flattened, wrapped in external fibrous layers (tunicate). They are renewed annually: new corms develop above older ones, which remain in place for years, creating chains of corms stacked one above another, as seen in Crocosmias.

Flowering occurs in summer, from June–July to September, depending on variety, and has the advantage of lasting a long time. Long, thin, very flexible flowering stems emerge from the leaf clump. They are erect at first, then naturally curve under the weight of the flowers. This erect-then-pendulous habit gives rise to the name “angel’s fishing rod” (especially as these plants often grow in moist sites, by ponds or streams). Flowers truly seem suspended, as if hanging on a thread, with a graceful, fairy-like appearance. Because of their flexibility, flowering stems sway in the wind, bringing movement to the garden.

Flowering is a panicle made up of several small spikes of flowers. The flowers are elongated, bell-shaped and turned towards the ground. They measure between 3 and 6 cm in length. Composed of six coloured tepals (petals and sepals alike), they are surrounded by dry, membranous bracts.

Flowers of the type-species Dierama pulcherrimum display a lovely soft pink hue. Many varieties exist, ranging from pale pink and even white (Dierama ‘Guinevere’) to deep purple (Dierama ‘Merlin’ or ‘Blackbird’), almost black, as well as a range of pinks. Dierama igneum bears salmon-pink flowers. Occasionally Dierama flowerings lean towards red, burgundy or orange. There are also species with pale yellow flowers, such as Dierama pallidum, and even a bluish-flowered variety: Dierama ‘Blue Belles’… These hues are relatively rare in cultivated Dierama, most having pink flowers.

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

Although most Dierama are pink, some display other hues: Dierama ‘Guinevere’, Dierama igneum (photo Peganum), Dierama ‘Blackberry Bells’ and Dierama ‘Blue Belle’

They are also melliferous plants, valued by pollinating insects, especially bees. Flowers contain nectar, which insects feed on while transporting pollen from one flower to another.

Leaves are long, narrow and upright, resembling grass leaves, making them good companions for grasses. Leaves lack a distinct central vein but have longitudinal, parallel veins. They measure 50–90 cm in length and often show a pleasant green, sometimes slightly greyish, tone. Leaves are characteristic of monocotyledones: long, narrow, linear with parallel veins.

Foliage is evergreen, remaining through winter. The plant has no true dormancy period (unlike some bulbous or cormous plants that can be lifted and stored dry over winter). It slows down in winter and can tolerate drier conditions while remaining in situ to resume growth in spring and flower in summer.

Dierama form attractive 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. Seeds can be harvested to propagate the plant. However, Dierama can also self-seed in the garden. Seed-grown plants may 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 widespread in gardens! In summer it produces long, flexible stems bearing delicate 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

A stunning variety with pure-white flowers. Particularly elegant and graceful, it brings brightness and helps to lighten borders. Its white flowers are also easy to pair in the garden and complement 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 relatively low species (only 40–60 cm tall). Less common than other varieties, it produces flowering stems in summer bearing pink flowers at their tips.

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

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Dierama pendulum var. robustum Blackberry Bells

This variety is distinguished by its beautiful purple bells. Appreciated for their intense, deep and rather dark colour.

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

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Dierama erectum Pink Rocket

This is a pink-flowered Dierama with a fairly compact habit, shorter than other varieties. In summer it produces numerous flowering stems bearing lovely pink bells. Its stems are also more upright 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 available in different 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 produces rather dark, purple flowers. Appreciated for its elegant, intense and refined flowering, it is 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 offers a change from other pink-flowered varieties. It is also lower than the others and tolerates poor, dry soils better.

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

See the product sheet

Planting Dierama

Where to plant?

Dierama thrive in full sun. They need plenty of light. As Dierama are somewhat tender, choose preferably a sheltered position away from cold winds.

In the wild, Dierama grow, among other places, in moist or marshy meadows. They will appreciate being planted in cool, even moist soil. You can perfectly place them on edges of a pond. In all cases, it’s important that soil does not dry out in spring and summer. They also appreciate fertile, humus-bearing soil. Thus, you can add some compost (at planting and then during growth) to enrich soil. They also like light, loose, deep soils. Substrate must be well-draining and permeable, so water can infiltrate deeply rather than remain on surface. Standing water in winter may rot corms. Dierama also prefer slightly acidic or neutral soils, but do not tolerate calcareous substrates well.

Dierama can be planted in a mixed border, behind lower plants. They help lighten beds and add volume. They are also perfect in a cool rockery. As Dierama are fairly tall with a very graceful silhouette, you can position them as specimens, for example on a short grass meadow, to really showcase them.

You can also plant them in a pot. However, take more care not to let substrate dry out, watering more regularly than for plants in open ground. If you live in a cold region, pot culture is a very good solution to overwinter plants easily by placing them under cover as soon as temperatures fall.

They are well suited to coastal gardens, as they prefer mild temperatures (they are somewhat tender) and tolerate sea spray. Moreover, wind creates a lovely effect by setting the little bells in motion.

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

When to plant?

Dierama are planted in spring (April–May), once soil has warmed and temperatures become milder. Most important is to avoid periods of frost or extreme heat.

How to plant?

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

1. Place rootball in a tub of water. This rehydrates it, helping re-establishment and subsequent waterings.
2. Prepare area: loosen soil, break up clods and remove weeds and large stones. Optionally add coarse material to improve drainage: coarse sand, gravel…
3. Remove Dierama from its pot, gently loosen rootball to untangle roots a little, and place plant in ground. Collar should sit just at soil surface, at same level as when plant was in its pot.
4. Fill hole with soil around plant and firm down with flat of hand.
5. Water generously.

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

You can also plant Dierama in a pot: choose a fairly large container, install a drainage layer at bottom (gravel, broken potsherds, clay balls…), then use a rich, free-draining potting compost. Place plant and water well.

If you plant corms directly, rather than a plant in a bucket, bury them 6–7 cm deep.

Dierama pendulum

Care

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

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

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

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

Dierama should not be pruned: this 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 are not really 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 the foliage of your Dierama, as these mites dislike humidity. Against aphids, you can spray black soap diluted in water.

Propagation: sowing, division

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

Sowing

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

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

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

When seedlings have reached a size suitable for handling, you can pot them on into individual pots, then plant in ground in spring once risk of frost has passed. Then patience is required… Dierama grown from sowing take at least 5 to 6 years to flower.

Dierama may sometimes self-seed. You can then lift young plants and relocate them elsewhere.

Dividing clumps

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

Best time to divide clumps is spring, but autumn is also possible.

1. Choose a well-established clump, a few years old.
2. Lift it carefully, digging wide and deep enough. Take care not to damage roots, which are quite fragile. Divide clump into several sections.
3. Replant immediately, in ground if possible, after preparing site.
4. Water thoroughly.

Continue to water regularly in following weeks. 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 flowerings. 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 lavateras and hollyhocks. Install a pergola or arbour (on which you can train roses and clematis), a small wrought‑iron table and chairs to create a delicate, intimate 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 equally delicate style, you can place Dierama in a cottage garden, with Phlox paniculata, Digitalis purpurea, lupins, ferns, agapanthus, penstemons, Salvia nemorosa… Create a lush‑looking garden with plants in shades of blue, mauve, white, and abundant foliage…

As they appreciate cool to even moist soil, you can plant Dierama near a pond or water feature. Pair them with ferns, Lysimachia, meadowsweet, Asian primroses, Gunnera… Also enjoy the elegant blue flowering of Iris laevigata. You will obtain a fresh, verdant scene with a very natural look, ideal for recharging!

Its very open, airy, delicate silhouette allows it to be used in 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 forms, an almost untidy appearance. Also favour melliferous plants.

Angel’s fishing rod pairs particularly well with grasses. Its foliage closely 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 more ideas for pairing Dierama in the garden!