Angel's Fishing Rod Dierama pauciflorum
ABOUT
Dierama pauciflorum, commonly known as the Smallflower Wandflower, is a graceful and visually striking plant. It has a clumping habit with slender, arching stems that give it an elegant and flowing appearance. The foliage consists of long, narrow, grass-like leaves that emerge from the base of the plant, creating an attractive green tuft. One of the most captivating features of the Smallflower Wandflower is its bell-shaped flowers. These blossoms dangle from the stems like delicate charms, adding a whimsical touch to the plant's overall look. The flowers themselves are usually found in shades of pink or purple, each with a subtle, enchanting allure that can add a splash of color to any garden setting. The plant typically blooms in the warmer months, during which the stems can become adorned with multiple flowers. Each flower is relatively small, contributing to the ethereal and dainty aesthetic that the plant is known for. The contrast between the fine texture of the leaves and the fairy-tale-like flowers make the Smallflower Wandflower a plant with a gentle yet impactful presence in a garden. In summary, the Smallflower Wandflower is a plant that exudes a sense of lightness and grace, characterized by its arching stems, fine foliage, and charming miniature bell-shaped flowers. It's a plant that can bring softness and a touch of romantic whimsy to the landscape.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Iridaceae
Synonyms
Angel's Fishing Rod, Small-Flowered Hairbell
Common names
Dierama dracomontanum, Dierama pauciflorum var. pauciflorum.
ToxicityTo humans
There is limited information available regarding the toxicity of Dierama pauciflorum, commonly known as the Wandflower, to humans. As of my knowledge cutoff date in early 2023, this specific species is not commonly reported to be toxic. However, it is always advisable to exercise caution and avoid ingesting plants unless they are known to be safe for consumption. If this plant were poisonous, symptoms would depend on the specific toxic compounds it contains, but generally could include gastrointestinal upset, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and more severe symptoms depending on the level of toxicity and amount ingested.
To pets
Similar to the information available for humans, there is limited data on the toxicity of Dierama pauciflorum, or Wandflower, to pets. This species is not widely known for being poisonous to animals. However, individual pets may have sensitivities or allergies to plants that are not considered generally toxic. If a pet were to ingest a part of this plant and it was poisonous, the symptoms could potentially include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, lethargy, or other signs of gastrointestinal distress. If you suspect your pet has ingested any part of a potentially toxic plant, it is important to consult with a veterinarian promptly.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
4-5 feet (1.2-1.5 meters)
Spread
1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Dierama pauciflorum, commonly known as Fairy Wand or Angel's Fishing Rod, adds elegance and movement to gardens with its graceful, arching flower stems and bell-shaped blooms.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers provide nectar for pollinators such as bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems.
- Landscape Design: It can be used as a focal point or to add height and texture in mixed borders, cottage gardens, and informal garden settings.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Fairy Wand is drought-tolerant and suitable for xeriscaping, requiring less water and maintenance.
- Low Maintenance: It requires minimal care beyond initial establishment, making it a convenient choice for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Seasonal Interest: Provides a long blooming period from late spring to summer, adding seasonal interest in the garden.
- Versatility: It can be planted in a variety of soil types, though it prefers well-drained conditions.
- Resilience: Dierama pauciflorum is frost-hardy and can survive in colder climates down to USDA zone 8.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Ornamental design: Dierama pauciflorum, known as Angel's Fishing Rod, is often used in landscape design for its elegant, arching stems and nodding flowers which add a delicate vertical element.
- Educational tool: Botanic gardens and educational institutions may cultivate Angel's Fishing Rod to teach about plant life cycles and pollination as it is a good attractor of pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds.
- Floral arrangements: The long stems and bell-shaped flowers of Angel's Fishing Rod make it suitable for inclusion in fresh floral arrangements.
- Garden borders: Angel's Fishing Rod can be planted along garden borders for a cottage garden feel, where its height can create a dramatic backdrop for shorter plants.
- Photography: The distinctive appearance of Angel's Fishing Rod makes it a popular subject for garden and nature photographers.
- Thematic gardens: Angel’s Fishing Rod can be used in 'fairy' or 'enchantment' themed gardens due to its whimsical structure that lends itself to imaginative garden design.
- Pond and stream banks: They can be planted near water features to provide a naturalistic look, as their reflections on water surfaces create an appealing visual effect.
- Erosion control: The root system of Angel’s Fishing Rod can help stabilize soil in sloped garden areas, thus aiding in erosion control.
- Art inspiration: The dramatic form and movement of Angel's Fishing Rod's flowers have inspired artists and sculptors who want to emulate its fluidity and grace in their work.
- Companion planting: Angel's Fishing Rod can be used in companion planting to provide height and attract beneficial insects that aid in the health of a garden.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Dierama pauciflorum, commonly known as Angel's Fishing Rod, is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Angel's Fishing Rod is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Grace and Delicacy: Dierama pauciflorum, commonly known as Angel's Fishing Rod, due to its arching stems and delicate, pendulous flowers, is often associated with grace and a delicate, ethereal beauty resembling the gentle swing of a fishing rod.
- Movement and Flow: The way the plant's flowers sway with the wind lends a symbolism of flow and the idea of going with the natural rhythms of life.
- Elegance: Because of its elegant appearance, Angel's Fishing Rod symbolizes a sense of refinement and poise, making it a perfect representation of elegance in the plant world.
- Attracting Good Luck: In some gardening folklore, the plant is believed to attract good luck due to its eye-catching and light-reflective appearance that can light up a garden space.
WaterAngel's fishing rod prefers consistent moisture, especially during the growing season. It should be watered thoroughly once a week with approximately one gallon of water. During hot weather or if planted in sandy soil, it may require more frequent watering to ensure the soil stays moist but not waterlogged. In the winter, watering can be reduced as the plant enters a period of dormancy, and you can allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Be cautious of overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
LightAngel's fishing rod thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions. The best spot for the plant is one where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. However, it can also tolerate dappled shade, particularly in hot afternoon climates. Avoid deep shade locations, as this will reduce flowering and can make the plant leggy.
TemperatureAngel's fishing rod is hardy and can generally withstand temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit, and as high as 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature range for growing this plant is between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. This perennial is not frost-tolerant, so in areas with cold winters, it should be protected or moved indoors.
PruningAngel's fishing rod should be pruned to remove spent flowers and to maintain its shape. This encourages further blooming and keeps the plant looking tidy. The best time for pruning is immediately after flowering, typically in late summer or early fall. Dead leaves and damaged stems can also be removed at this time to promote new growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Angel's Fishing Rod thrives best in well-draining soil with a mix of loam, compost, and sharp sand. Aim for a slightly acidic to neutral pH, around 5.5 to 7.0.
RepottingAngel's Fishing Rod does not require frequent repotting and can be done every 2-3 years or when the clumps become overcrowded.
Humidity & MistingAngel's Fishing Rod prefers moderate humidity levels but is tolerant of variations as long as it is not exposed to prolonged dry air.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright light, avoid dry air.
Outdoor
Full sun, sheltered from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
8-10 USDA
Life cycleDierama pauciflorum, commonly known as the Wand Flower or Angel's Fishing Rod, begins its life cycle as a seed that germinates in moist, well-drained soil, typically in spring or early summer. After germination, the seedling stage is characterized by the emergence of grass-like foliage which slowly matures into a clump-forming perennial with slender, arching leaves. As the plant grows, it enters the vegetative stage, where it invests energy in developing a strong root system and abundant foliage. Once mature, the Wand Flower enters the reproductive stage, usually in mid to late summer, producing tall, graceful flower spikes that hold delicate, bell-shaped blossoms ranging in color from pale pink to deep magenta. After pollination, typically by insects, the flowers develop into small capsules containing seeds, which when mature, are released to begin a new generation. The plant then goes through a period of senescence in late autumn and winter where it dies back, only to re-emerge from its corm in the following spring to repeat the life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Propogation: The propagation of Dierama pauciflorum, commonly known as Angel's Fishing Rod, is commonly carried out by sowing seeds. The best time to sow seeds is in the spring after the last frost, when temperatures are consistently above 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius). Seeds require well-draining soil and should be surface sown, as they need light to germinate. Patience is necessary since Dierama can take several years to flower from seed. The seeds typically germinate within 3 to 4 weeks under optimal conditions. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged during the germination period. Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted into individual pots and grown on in cooler conditions until they are strong enough to plant outside.
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