About

Dierama igneum, the fiery wandflower, is a neat, compact, evergreen perennial forming small clumps with foliage reaching 30�80 cm and producing arching stems bearing pale-pink or lilac, bell-shaped flowers in summer. A charming and ornamental wandflower for a sunny, well-drained border.

About the genus

Dierama, the wandflowers or African hairbells, are evergreen, clump-forming cormous perennials with long, narrow leaves and slender, arching stems bearing nodding, bell-shaped flowers in shades of pink, mauve, purple or white in summer. Among the most graceful of all South African garden plants.

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4

Plant details

Plant typeBulbs
HabitClump forming
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Native toSE Africa

Care notes

CultivationGrow in humus-rich, well-drained soil in a sheltered situation with full sun
PruningTidy any winter-damaged foliage by cutting to the base in spring
PropagationPropagate by seed in containers in a cold frame as soon as ripe, or by division in spring. Young plants and divisions can be slow to establish
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free