Dierama
Dierama pulcherrimum (and other spp.)
Dierama, known as Angel's Fishing Rod, is an elegant South African perennial featuring graceful, arching stems adorned with pendulous bell-shaped flowers. The delicate blooms sway in the breeze above grass-like foliage, creating a magical garden display.
Iridaceae (Iris family)
Midsummer to early autumn (June-September)
Symbolism & Meanings
Key Meanings
Perfect For
Color Meanings
Similar flowers: gauras and coleonemas also share similar meanings.
Cultural Significance
The common name "Angel's Fishing Rod" perfectly captures the plant's appearance - slender, arching stems with delicate flowers dangling like bait on a fishing line. Native to the mountainous regions of South Africa, Dierama has become beloved in European and temperate gardens for its graceful, fairy-tale appearance. The swaying flowers in the breeze create movement and life in the garden, symbolizing lightness and grace. In Victorian times, it represented delicate beauty and was associated with fairy gardens.Shop Our Floral Collection
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Physical Characteristics
Natural Habitat
Growing Guide
Sunlight
Full sun required for best flowering and sturdy stems; tolerates very light afternoon shade
Water
Consistent moisture during growing season; avoid waterlogging in winter and drought in summer
Soil
Well-drained, Humus-rich, Fertile, Moist but not waterlogged, Slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0)
Expert Growing Tips
Plant in spring for best establishment
Choose location carefully - dislikes being moved or disturbed
Provide shelter from strong winds to protect delicate stems
Mulch in autumn or spring to retain moisture
Cut back old foliage in early spring before new growth
Divide only when very congested (every 5-10 years); plants are slow to recover
May need winter protection in colder regions (zones 7 and below)
Takes 3-5 years to flower from seed
Feed with balanced fertilizer in spring if growth is poor
Not suitable for containers due to deep roots
Uses & Benefits
Ornamental Uses
- Specimen plant in mixed borders
- Gravel and cottage gardens
- Waterside plantings near ponds
- Prairie and naturalistic gardens
- Companion planting with ornamental grasses
- Cut flowers (long-lasting in arrangements)
- Architectural focal points
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions about the Dierama
why is my dierama not flowering
Dierama may not flower due to being recently moved (they resent disturbance), insufficient sunlight, too much shade, or being too young — plants grown from seed can take 3-5 years to bloom.
can you grow dierama in pots
Dierama is not suitable for long-term container growing as it has deep roots and dislikes being pot-bound — it grows best when planted directly in the ground.
when should i plant dierama
Plant Dierama in spring when the soil is warming up — avoid planting in hot, dry, or cold weather, and choose the location carefully as they dislike being moved.
how do you divide dierama
Divide Dierama only when very congested, carefully lifting clumps in spring, gently separating the corm chains, and replanting immediately — plants take 1-2 years to recover and flower again.
Available Colors
Quick Facts
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Discover other flowers with similar meanings, characteristics, or cultural significance.
Gaura
Oenothera lindheimeri (formerly Gaura lindheimeri)
Gaura produces delicate, butterfly-like flowers that dance gracefully on tall, slender stems, creating an airy, ethereal effect in the garden with continuous blooms from summer to frost.
Coleonema
Coleonema pulchellum
Coleonema, known as Pink Breath of Heaven, features delicate star-shaped flowers and aromatic needle-like foliage. This evergreen shrub symbolizes grace, heavenly beauty, and sweet fragrance.
Asarina
Asarina scandens (syn. Maurandya scandens)
Asarina scandens, known as Climbing Snapdragon, is a delicate yet vigorous tender perennial vine producing masses of tubular, snapdragon-like flowers. Perfect for trellises and containers, it blooms profusely from summer to frost.