About
Dierama pulcherrimum 'Donard Dwarf' is a compact cultivar of angel's fishing rod, producing the characteristic slender, arching stems and nodding, bell-shaped flowers of the species on a smaller, more manageable plant. A graceful and ornamental plant for a sunny, well-drained border or container.
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 moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial, Bulbs
HabitTufted, Clump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Prairie planting
Native toS Africa (Natal, Transvaal)
Care notes
CultivationGrow in humus-rich, well drained soil in an open, sunny spot; these plants like moisture during the growing season but dislike winter wet. Add a compost mulch in spring. May benefit from winter protection in colder areas. See dierama cultivation for more detailed advice
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 of mature clumps, carefully separating corms in spring. Plants from seed may vary; young plants and divisions can be slow to establish
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free