Dierama

Family Iridaceae

Common Name Angel’s Fishing Rod

Dierama is a genus of evergreen, clump-forming cormous perennials from the summer-rainfall grasslands of South Africa, grown for their long, narrow leaves and slender arching stems bearing nodding, bell-shaped flowers in summer. The stems sway gracefully in the slightest breeze, giving rise to the common name angel’s fishing rod. Flowers range from white and palest pink through to deep claret-purple depending on species and cultivar, and the plants are long-lived and increasingly impressive once established — though they do require patience after transplanting, as disturbance causes a temporary die-back before re-growth begins. They thrive in full sun in moist but free-draining soil, and are well suited to sunny borders, gravel gardens and waterside planting.