Angel's Fishing Rod Dierama pulcherrimum 'Blackbird'
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as 'Blackbird' Angel's Fishing Rod is a graceful and striking perennial that is instantly recognizable for its arching stems and bell-shaped flowers. The blooms showcase a deep violet or sometimes almost black hue, which dangles delicately from the wiry, wand-like stems that have a tendency to sway with even the slightest breeze. This elegant movement has earned the plant its charming common name, as the stems resemble fishing rods. The foliage of the 'Blackbird' Angel's Fishing Rod is a tufted clump of slender, grass-like leaves that are an attractive shade of green, providing a lush contrast to the dramatic flowers. When in bloom, the overall appearance of this plant is exceptionally airy and whimsical, making it a favorite among gardeners looking to add a touch of finesse to their landscapes.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Iridaceae.
Synonyms
Angel's Fishing Rod, Fairy Wand Flower, Wandflower, Blackbird.
Common names
Dierama pulcherrimum.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as Angel's Fishing Rod is not widely recognized for being toxic to humans. There is no substantial evidence to suggest that Angel's Fishing Rod presents a risk of poisoning upon ingestion. However, it is generally recommended that no plant material be consumed unless it is known to be safe for human consumption, as individual sensitivities and allergic reactions can still occur.
To pets
Angel's Fishing Rod is not commonly known to be toxic to pets. There is no significant evidence that suggests toxicity or poisoning of domestic animals from ingestion of this plant. Nonetheless, it is generally advised to prevent pets from ingesting plants, as they might cause digestive upset or an allergic reaction in sensitive pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
Height
4-5 feet (1.2-1.5 meters)
Spread
1 feet (0.3 meters)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: The plant's striking bell-shaped flowers add a visually appealing element to any garden or landscape.
- Habitat for Wildlife: It provides nectar and habitat for pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, it requires minimal care and is relatively drought-tolerant, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Seasonal Interest: Offers a seasonal display with its flowers usually blooming in summer, adding color when many other plants may not be flowering.
- Architectural Structure: The tall, arching flower stems can add height and structure to garden beds or borders.
- Adaptability: It can adapt to a range of soil types, although it prefers well-drained conditions.
- Naturalization: It can naturalize in suitable climates, gradually spreading and increasing in numbers over the years.
- Non-Invasive: Unlike some ornamental plants, it is not known to be aggressively invasive, making it a responsible choice for gardeners concerned about ecological balance.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography subject: Angel's fishing rod's striking appearance, with its slender stems and bell-shaped flowers, makes it a favorite subject for garden photographers looking to capture the beauty of unique and elegant plants.
- Themed gardens: This plant is ideal for fairy or whimsical themed gardens due to its delicate and ethereal form, providing a fantastical quality to garden designs.
- Erosion control: The clumping growth habit of Angel's fishing rod can help stabilize soil on slopes or banks, thereby reducing erosion caused by wind and water.
- Floral art: Angel's fishing rod’s long, arching stems and colorful flowers are used in floral arrangements to create a sense of movement and grace.
- Wedding decor: It's often incorporated in wedding bouquets and venue decorations for a touch of natural elegance and to add height and structure to floral displays.
- Fishing inspiration: The common name itself suggests its use as inspiration for fishing rod design in terms of its slim and flexible nature, much like a fine fishing rod.
- Drama in borders: Its height and dangling blooms can be used to add dramatic vertical interest to herbaceous borders within a garden scheme.
- Garden education: The plant can be used for educational purposes in botany and horticulture programs, teaching about the growth habits of perennial ornamental grasses.
- Craft materials: Dry stems and seed heads can be collected and employed in crafting, such as for creating natural weavings or in dried flower arrangements.
- Water feature enhancement: Planted near ponds or streams, their reflection on the water surface can enhance the visual appeal of water features.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Angel's Fishing Rod is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Angel's Fishing Rod is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Elegance: The drooping bell-shaped flowers and slender, arching stems of the Dierama pulcherrimum, commonly known as Angel's Fishing Rod, give it an elegant appearance, symbolizing grace and refinement.
- Delicacy: This plant has an airy and delicate structure, with its fine foliage and subtle movement in the breeze, representing fragility and a gentle touch.
- Resilience: Despite its fragile appearance, Angel's Fishing Rod is quite resilient and adaptable to various growing conditions, symbolizing a hidden strength and the ability to endure challenges.
- Magical Charm: The name 'Angel's Fishing Rod' evokes a sense of whimsy and magic, signifying an otherworldly charm and the enchantment of fairy tales.
- Attraction and Romance: The vivid pink to mauve coloring of its flowers suggests themes of attraction and romance, much like other flowers traditionally associated with love.
- Serenity: The soft swaying of the plant's flowers and stems in the wind can provide a calming effect, symbolizing peace and serenity.
WaterAngel's Fishing Rod requires regular watering during the growing season. You should aim to keep the soil consistently moist without overwatering, so depending on the climate, this might amount to about 1 inch of water each week. It's best to water deeply once a week rather than a little every day to encourage the roots to grow downwards. In hot, dry periods you may need to water more frequently, especially if the plant is in a container. During the winter, you can reduce watering as the plant is dormant and the need for moisture decreases.
LightAngel's Fishing Rod thrives in full sun to part shade. The ideal spot for this plant is one where it can receive at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. However, it can also tolerate partial shade, especially in regions with very hot summer afternoons, where some respite from the intense sun can prevent scorching.
TemperatureAngel's Fishing Rod does best in temperatures between 50°F and 70°F but can survive temperatures as low as 20°F for short periods. Avoid exposure to temperatures below 20°F as this can damage or kill the plant. The ideal temperature range for this plant helps ensure optimal growth and flowering.
PruningAngel's Fishing Rod should be pruned to remove spent flowers and dead foliage, which encourages new growth and a tidy appearance. Pruning is best done after flowering, usually in the fall. Remove any damaged or dead stems at the base, but avoid heavy pruning as this can harm the plant's delicate structure.
CleaningAs needed
SoilAngel's Fishing Rod thrives in a rich, well-drained soil mix with compost or peat moss. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH, ranging from 5.5 to 7.0.
RepottingAngel's Fishing Rod does not require frequent repotting and can be repotted every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil or when it outgrows its pot.
Humidity & MistingAngel's Fishing Rod prefers moderate humidity but is generally adaptable as long as it is not in an arid environment.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Use well-drained soil, bright indirect light, and water sparingly.
Outdoor
Plant in sun or part shade, fertile well-drained soil, protect from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycleDierama pulcherrimum 'Blackbird', commonly known as Angel's Fishing Rod, begins its life when its seeds are dispersed by wind or fall near the parent plant. Upon germination, seedlings establish a rosette of narrow, grass-like leaves. Over the next few years, the plant gradually matures, developing a clump-forming habit with evergreen foliage. In summer, mature Angel's Fishing Rod plants send up tall, arching flowering stems bearing bell-shaped flowers that can range in color from deep purple to nearly black. After pollination, often by insects, the plant sets seed in capsules, ready to start the cycle anew. As a perennial, Angel's Fishing Rod may continue to grow and flower for many years, with clumps becoming more substantial and floriferous with each passing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The most common method of propagating Dierama pulcherrimum 'Blackbird', commonly known as Angel's Fishing Rod, is by division. This is typically done in the spring as new growth begins. To propagate by division, carefully lift the parent clump out of the ground and gently separate the corms, ensuring that each division has at least one growing point or fan of leaves. Replant the divisions immediately at the same depth they were growing originally, spacing them about 18 inches (approximately 45 centimeters) apart to allow room for growth. Water the newly planted divisions thoroughly to help establish them. It is important to handle the corms gently, as they can be brittle. This method allows the gardener to create new plants that are true to the parent's characteristics and usually results in flowering within a couple of years.
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