Dierama

( dye - err - RAHM - uh )

At-A-Glance Information

Dierama, also called Fairy Wand, Hairbells, Angel's Fishing Rod, Wandflower, or Grasklokkies, is a genus of slow-growing herbaceous perennial flowering plants that do best in full sun with regular waterings. They are native to South Africa where they are evergreen, but they will die back to the ground in wintertime with extreme cold temperatures. Dierama plants grow from large underground corms. Leaves are sword-like to grassy, green and about 2 feet long. In spring or summer long stems produce flowers in colors like purple, pink, and white. Blooms are either bell-shaped or funnel-shaped, depending on the species. Dierama do well in gravel and cottage gardens in areas with tall grasses, along pond edges, and in border plantings especially when situated behind lower-growing plants.

Dierama species and varietals

The genus Dierama is a member of the plant family Iridaceae and includes around 44 species. ​Fairy Wand grows well in zones 4-24 (to find your zone, click here: Zone Map).

Dierama igneum (Fiery Wandflower)
Native to southeast Africa, this species of Wandflower produces trumpet shaped pink to salmon pink blooms These are cultivated widely as ornamental garden plants and are hardy down to -10 degrees Fahrenheit. Plant in a sheltered area that is south-facing and receives full sun, and keep roots dry in the wintertime.

Dierama pauciflorum (Few-Flowered Wandflower)
Native to southern and eastern Africa, this species of Dierama reaches between 12 and 16 inches tall at maturity, and produces flower spikes that rise and dangle above foliage only slightly. Flower stems are sparse, and hold rich pink flowers.

Dierama pendulum (Fairy Bell, Hair Bell, Wedding Bell, Angel's Fishing Rods)
Endemic to the Eastern Cape area of South Africa, this species produces blue-pink or white flowers on long stems that rise above green foliage clumps. This species reaches between 2 and 3 feet tall at maturity.

Dierama pulcherrimum (Angel's Fishing Rod, Hair Bell, Wand Flower)
Native to South Africa, this species reaches up to 5 feet tall when in bloom, and produces beautiful arching flower stems that hang over the basal clump of foliage. Flowers bloom in summertime, and are rose-pink. These are hardy plants, but do prefer to be situated in a protected location. The specific epithet pulcherrimum means 'most beautiful'.

Caring for Dierama

Should be planted in springtime; set corms 3-5 inches deep spaced 2 feet wide. Dividing should leave a few corms in each division. 

Propagation

Problems and Pests

Gallery

Camellias are great candidates to be grown as container plants on your patio.
A field of thea sinensis
Camellia hiemalis 'Shishi Gashira'

Videos

A video all about growing camellias successfully
Propagating camellias

Resources

Wikipedia: Dierama 
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 288, Dierama
If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or photos you’d like to add to the gallery, please let me know by sending me a message using the button below!
​