Overview

Dierama pulcherrimum 'Windhover' is a perennial in the genus Dierama, part of the Iridaceae family. It typically grows around 1.5 metres tall. Dierama pulcherrimum 'Windhover' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and neutral and slightly acidic pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, containers and rock gardens. It is native to southeastern Cape Provinces and South Africa.

About

Dierama pulcherrimum 'Windhover' is a perennial in the iris family with tall, arching stems that carry nodding, rosy-pink bell flowers. Plants reach about 1.5 metres and flower from July to September. It prefers well-drained sandy or loamy soils of neutral to slightly acidic pH and a position in full sun or partial shade. The cultivar suits both sheltered and more exposed sites and is rated H5 (hardy) for UK gardens.

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 'Windhover' originates from the southeastern Cape Provinces of South Africa and produces long, graceful flowering stems that arch away from the clump. The species sits in Iridaceae and at roughly 1.5 metres tall it gives a tall, airy silhouette through the summer months. Flowering runs July to September, when the pendulous, bell-shaped flowers are borne along walking-height stems. Plant into well-drained sandy or loamy soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH and keep the root run moist but not waterlogged; the cultivar tolerates both sheltered and exposed positions, and is classed H5 (hardy) in UK terms. Sit it in full sun or partial shade and choose a south, east or west-facing aspect to maximise flowering. Use Dierama pulcherrimum 'Windhover' at the back of mixed borders, in large containers, or in gravel and rock garden schemes where its tall arcs can be appreciated. Grouping several clumps lets the stems move together in the breeze, showing the nodding bells above mid-height perennials through the late summer season.

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

H5

Plant details

Dierama pulcherrimum 'Windhover' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

perennial

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 'Windhover'

Cultivation

Plant in well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Water moderately during growing season. Protect from harsh winter winds.

Pruning

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

Propagation

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

Frequently asked questions