Dierama pulcherrimum aka Angel's Fishing Rd

Dierama pulcherrimum is a perennial in the iris family, Iridaceae. Gardeners know it as angel's fishing rod or wedding bells. It comes from South Africa's southeastern Cape region. It grows from underground corms and forms a leafy clump. Its thin flower stems bend above the leaves in summer. The plant grows at a moderate rate but can settle slowly.

The narrow leaves arch outward and give the clump a grass-like look. They reach about 2 feet [0.6 metres] long. Their edges are smooth, and their surfaces lack hairs. The foliage stays green where winters are warm. Thin, green stems carry the flowers above this leafy base. RHS gives a mature height of 3.3–4.9 feet [1–1.5 metres]. Its spread is 0.3–1.6 feet [0.1–0.5 metres]. NC State describes foliage about 2 feet [0.6 metres] across. Its broader size listing allows widths to 5 feet [1.5 metres].

Flowers hang from curved spikes from early through late summer. Each bloom has a bell-like shape and faces downward. RHS describes rosy-purple flowers, while NC State records pink and white. RHS gives flower lengths of 0.13–0.20 feet [0.04–0.06 metres]. The long stems and hanging blooms provide the main garden interest. Hummingbirds visit the flowers, and the plant also draws other pollinators. Its stems and leaves move in the wind.

Choose full sun and shelter from harsh exposure. The soil should contain plenty of humus and drain well. NC State recommends moist soil and extra water during drought. Add humus when planting in sandy or clay soil. Both sources allow acidic, neutral, or alkaline conditions. RHS rates the plant H4 under UK conditions. NC State lists USDA zones 7a through 10b. RHS gives two to five years for plants to reach maturity.

Use it as a single accent or in groups. It also suits containers, coastal sites, borders, and cottage gardens. RHS includes gravel gardens, courtyards, banks, and slopes among suitable settings. NC State records resistance to deer. RHS reports few usual pest or disease problems. In spring, cut winter-damaged leaves back to the base. Avoid moving settled plants, and divide only when clumps become crowded. Divide in spring and keep the corms from drying out. Flowering may take one or two years to recover after division. Seeds offer another way to raise new plants. Sow ripe seed in containers in a cold frame.