Angels Fishing Rods Dierama pulcherrimum
ABOUT
Commonly known as angel's fishing rod, this plant is admired for its graceful arching stems, which give it an elegant and delicate appearance. The stems bear bell-shaped flowers that usually come in a lovely shade of pink, although varieties with white or lighter pink flowers also exist. These blooms dangle from the stems like dainty fishing rods, often swaying gently in the breeze, adding to the plant's whimsical charm. The foliage of angel's fishing rod consists of slender, grass-like leaves that form clumps at the base of the plant. These tufts of greenery provide a lush background to the eye-catching flowers that appear above. The leaves are evergreen in some climates, contributing to the garden's interest even when the plant is not in bloom. During the blooming season, the flowers create a striking display that can last for several weeks, making angel's fishing rod a favorite among gardeners who seek to create a sense of movement and softness in their planting schemes. The overall shape of the plant is characterized by its arching growth habit, which gives it a unique and attractive form in the landscape.
About this plant
- Names
Family
Iridaceae
Synonyms
Angel's Fishing Rod, Fairy's Fishing Rod, Wandflower
Common names
Dierama pendulum, Dierama reynoldsii.
- Toxicity
To humans
The plant known as Angel's Fishing Rod generally is not considered toxic to humans. There is no widely recognized evidence that suggests Dierama pulcherrimum is poisonous upon ingestion. As such, there are no specific symptoms of poisoning associated with this plant that are known to occur in humans as a result of ingesting any part of the plant. Always exercise caution and consult with a medical professional if accidental ingestion occurs and adverse reactions are observed.
To pets
Angel's Fishing Rod is not commonly known to be toxic to pets. There is no significant data that suggests Dierama pulcherrimum poses a threat if pets ingest parts of this plant. Consequently, there are no specific symptoms of poisoning typically associated with this plant in pets. However, individual animals may have sensitivities or allergic reactions to any plant material, so it is always prudent to monitor pets closely and consult a veterinarian if any unusual symptoms appear after ingestion.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Varies
Flower color
Pink
Height
4-5 feet (1.2-1.5 meters)
Spread
1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Ornamental Value: Dierama pulcherrimum, commonly known as Angel's Fishing Rod, offers high ornamental value with its graceful arching stems and bell-shaped flowers that sway in the breeze.
- Garden Design: It can be used in garden design to create a point of interest, particularly in cottage gardens, borders, and around water features, where its height and movement add an elegant touch.
- Attracts Wildlife: The plant is attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which play an important role in the pollination of plants and the health of ecosystems.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Angel's Fishing Rod is relatively drought-tolerant, making it suitable for xeriscaping and gardens in drier climates.
- Seasonal Interest: With a flowering period that spans from late spring to late summer, it provides long-lasting seasonal interest in the garden.
- Low Maintenance: It requires minimal maintenance once established, needing only occasional watering and the removal of spent flowers or dead foliage.
- Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
- Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
- Other Uses
- Dierama pulcherrimum, commonly known as Angel's Fishing Rod, can provide a natural support structure for climbing plants due to its tall, sturdy stems.
- Its seed pods can be used in dried floral arrangements to add an element of height and interest with their unique shape.
- The long, grass-like foliage of Angel's Fishing Rod can be woven or plaited into small decorative items like bookmarks or coasters.
- Due to its aesthetic appeal, Angel's Fishing Rod is often used as an ornamental feature in wedding bouquets and table centerpieces.
- This plant's dried flowers are sometimes incorporated into potpourri mixes to contribute colors and textures that reflect a natural garden style.
- The robust stems of Angel's Fishing Rod can serve as natural stakes for supporting lightweight garden netting or row covers.
- Garden hobbyists may use the striking silhouette of Angel's Fishing Rod to create artistic garden shadows or silhouettes during the evening with appropriate lighting.
- When planted en masse, Angel's Fishing Rod can be used to create a privacy screen or garden divider that sways gracefully in the wind.
- The form and movement of Angel's Fishing Rod make it a popular subject for botanical drawings and photography, highlighting its delicate and elegant structure.
- Angel's Fishing Rod may be used in educational settings, such as schools or nature centers, to teach about plant growth habits and ornamental gardening.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
Angel's Fishing Rod is not used in Feng Shui practice.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
Angel's Fishing Rod is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Grace and Elegance: Dierama pulcherrimum, commonly known as Angel's Fishing Rod, features delicate, arching stems and pendulous flowers that dance in the breeze, symbolizing a sense of grace and refinement.
- Attraction and Charm: With its bell-shaped flowers and alluring movement, Angel's Fishing Rod is often associated with magnetism and the power to captivate an audience.
- Magical Allure: The enchanting appearance of Angel's Fishing Rod has led to associations with fairy tales and magic, evoking a sense of wonder and otherworldliness.
- Spiritual Connection: The height and reach of the plant's stems, stretching towards the sky, can represent a bridge between the earthly realm and the divine, symbolizing spirituality and aspiration.
- Flexibility and Resilience: Despite its slender stems, Angel's Fishing Rod is able to sway with the wind without breaking, symbolizing the ability to adapt and endure through life's challenges.
- Water
Angel's Fishing Rod should be watered deeply and allowed to dry out slightly between watering sessions. In warmer seasons, watering once a week with approximately 1 to 2 gallons per plant should suffice, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During cooler months, reduce the frequency to every other week or less, depending on the rain frequency and temperature. It's important not to overwater as this can lead to root rot.
- Light
Angel's Fishing Rod thrives best in full sun to partial shade. It is ideal to place the plant in a spot where it will receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, but it can also tolerate some afternoon shade. Avoid deep shade as it can reduce flowering and weaken the plant.
- Temperature
Angel's Fishing Rod prefers temperate climates and can tolerate a temperature range from 20 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive brief dips just below freezing but sustained frost may damage the plant. Ideal temperatures for growth are between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Pruning
Prune Angel's Fishing Rod to remove spent flower stalks and any dead or damaged foliage. This encourages new growth and tidies the appearance of the plant. Pruning is best done in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Generally, pruning once a year is sufficient.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
Angel's Fishing Rod thrives in well-draining soil with a mixture of loam, sand, and compost, ensuring good fertility and drainage. The soil pH ideal for this plant is slightly acidic to neutral, around pH 5.5 to 7.
- Repotting
Angel's Fishing Rod typically does not require frequent repotting; it can be repotted every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its current container, ensuring minimal root disturbance.
- Humidity & Misting
Angel's Fishing Rod prefers moderate humidity levels and can tolerate some degree of dry air but will benefit from a more humid environment similar to its natural South African grassland habitat.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Place Angel's Fishing Rod near a south-facing window.
Outdoor
Provide full sun to partial shade and protect from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
8-10 USDA
- Life cycle
Dierama pulcherrimum, commonly known as angel's fishing rod, begins its life cycle as a seed, often germinating in spring when conditions are moist and favorable. The seedling develops into a clump-forming perennial, growing from a corm which expands and produces offsets over time. As the plant matures, long, graceful, arching stems emerge from the tufts of grass-like foliage, leading to the flowering stage in the summer when bell-shaped, pendulous flowers bloom. After pollination, primarily by bees, the flowers develop into seed capsules which eventually dry and release seeds for the next generation. During autumn or winter, the plant enters a period of dormancy, where foliage may die back in colder climates. With the return of warmer temperatures in spring, the corm re-sprouts, continuing its growth cycle.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring to Summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagation for Dierama pulcherrimum, commonly known as Angel's Fishing Rod, is by division. This is best carried out in spring as the plant emerges from dormancy. To propagate by division, carefully lift the parent clump and use a sharp spade or knife to divide it into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has a portion of the rhizome and several growing points. Replant the divisions immediately into well-draining soil at the same depth they were growing previously, and water them in thoroughly. This clump-forming perennial can also be propagated by seed sown in spring, but division offers a faster and more reliable method of producing flowering plants within a shorter period.