Overview

Dierama pulcherrimum 'Blackbird' is a bushy perennial in the genus Dierama, part of the Iridaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 1.5 metres tall. Dierama pulcherrimum 'Blackbird' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and neutral and slightly acidic pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include borders, containers and rock gardens. It is native to southeastern Cape Provinces and South Africa.

About

Dierama pulcherrimum 'Blackbird' is a perennial in the iris family that bears drooping, bell-shaped rosy-pink flowers. It flowers from July to September and typically reaches about 1.5 metres tall. Best sited in full sun or partial shade, it prefers well-drained sandy to loamy soils with a neutral to slightly acidic pH.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Dierama pulcherrimum

About the genus

Dierama is a genus of flowering plants in the family Iridaceae. Common names include hairbells, angel's fishing rod, fairybells, and wandflowers in English and grasklokkies in Afrikaans. They are native to Africa, with most occurring in the southern regions of the continent.

Wikipedia contributors, "Dierama", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Dierama

In the garden

Dierama pulcherrimum 'Blackbird' originates from the southeastern Cape Provinces of South Africa and belongs to the Iridaceae family. In UK gardens it produces pendant, bell-like rosy-pink flowers through July to September and forms a tall clump to roughly 1.5 metres. The cultivar is useful where height and late-summer bloom are wanted without a woody framework. Plant into a sunny or part-shaded spot (south, east or west aspects are all suitable) in a free-draining sandy or loamy soil that is neutral to slightly acidic; the plant prefers moist but well-drained conditions rather than heavy, waterlogged ground. It is rated H4 (average) for UK hardiness, so give young clumps shelter from the coldest exposure while established crowns tolerate typical UK winters. Both sheltered and more exposed sites are acceptable if drainage is reliable. Place Dierama pulcherrimum 'Blackbird' at the back of a mixed border, in a large container with sharp compost, or on a rock-garden margin where its tall flowering stems can rise above lower plants. Its height and pendant flowers make it effective where stems can arch over a path or the front of a border, showing the drooping bells to best effect.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Dierama

Sunlight

full sun, partial shade

Soil type

well-drained, sandy, loamy

Soil pH

neutral, slightly acidic

Soil moisture

moist, well-drained

Aspect

south, east, west

Exposure

sheltered, exposed

UK hardiness

H4

Plant details

Dierama pulcherrimum 'Blackbird' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

perennial

Habit

Bushy

Foliage

Evergreen

Height

1.5 metres

Suggested uses

borders, containers, rock gardens

Native to

southeastern Cape Provinces, South Africa

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Dierama pulcherrimum 'Blackbird'

Cultivation

Prefers well-drained soil and a sunny position; avoid waterlogging.

Pruning

Cut back old flower stems after flowering to encourage new growth.

Propagation

Division in spring or autumn; seed propagation possible but slow.

Pest resistance

Generally pest-free

Disease resistance

Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions