Angel's Fishing Rod Dierama mossii
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as Angel's Fishing Rod is a perennial that is admired for its graceful and elegant appearance. It is characterized by its slender, arching stems that elegantly droop, resembling fishing rods, hence its common name. Atop these stems sway bell-shaped flowers which can range in color from pink to a soft purple, adding a sense of movement and delicacy to the plant's structure like ethereal charms that attract the eye. The foliage of Angel's Fishing Rod is a rich green, forming clumps of slender, strap-like leaves that grow from the base of the plant, creating a fountain-like effect with their arching form. The leaves and stems altogether create a texture in the garden that is both visually light and airy, providing contrast to more solid or dense plant forms. The entire plant conveys a whimsical charm, and it is often a focal point wherever it is planted, swaying gently in the breeze and lending a cottage garden feel to the landscape. In bloom, the fishing rod-like stems hold the flowers which can dangle like jewels on a string, catching the light and bringing a touch of magic as they flutter and dance in the air. The plant has a certain wildness to it, capturing the essence of a breezy meadow or the unstructured beauty of a natural landscape. It is a favorite among gardeners looking for a plant with movement, grace, and a unique structure that stands out from more traditional garden selections.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Iridaceae
Synonyms
Wandflower, Angel's Fishing Rod
Common names
Dierama mossii.
ToxicityTo humans
Dierama mossii, commonly referred to as angel's fishing rod, is not widely known for its toxicity to humans. There is limited information available on the toxic effects of Dierama mossii if ingested by humans, and it is not typically listed as a poisonous plant. However, as with any plant, it is possible that some individuals may experience sensitivity or allergic reactions to this plant. Ingesting any part of a plant that is not commonly recognized as edible should be done with caution, and it is always recommended to seek advice from a medical professional or poisons information center if ingestion occurs and there are concerns about potential toxicity.
To pets
Angel's fishing rod, or Dierama mossii, is not commonly known to be toxic to pets. There is a lack of substantial evidence indicating that this plant poses a significant threat to domestic animals if they consume it. As with humans, individual pets may have varying sensitivities, and allergic reactions can occur. To be safe and prevent any potential adverse effects, it is advisable to discourage pets from ingesting plants that are not explicitly known to be safe for them. If your pet does consume angel's fishing rod and exhibits signs of illness, it is best to consult with a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
3-5 feet (0.91-1.52 meters)
Spread
1-2 feet (0.30-0.61 meters)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Dierama mossii, commonly known as Fairy's Fishing Rods, adds a touch of elegance and grace to gardens with its arching stems and bell-shaped flowers.
- Attracts Pollinators: The plant's flowers are known to attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees, promoting pollination in the garden.
- Low Maintenance: Dierama mossii is relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal maintenance once established, which can be ideal for busy gardeners or those looking for low-maintenance landscaping.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Fairy's Fishing Rods display a degree of drought tolerance, making them suitable for gardens in drier climates or for water-wise gardening practices.
- Seasonal Interest: With its peak blooming period in the summer, Dierama mossii adds seasonal interest to the garden when many other plants may not be in flower.
- Versatility: The plant can be used in various garden designs, including cottage gardens, perennial borders, or as a specimen plant, providing versatility in landscaping options.
- Adaptability: Dierama mossii can adapt to a range of soil types, though it prefers well-drained soil, making it suitable for different garden settings.
- Naturalizing: Over time, Fairy's Fishing Rods can naturalize and form graceful, clump-forming colonies, which can be particularly attractive in natural-style plantings.
- Vertical Interest: The tall, slender stems of Dierama mossii can add vertical interest to garden beds and borders, creating a diverse plant structure.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Garden Ornamentation: Dierama mossii, also known as fairy wand, adds an element of grace to garden borders and beds with its arching stems and pendulous flowers.
- Landscape Focal Point: Due to its height and attractive blooms, fairy wand can serve as a striking focal point when planted in clusters or amidst lower-growing plants.
- Water Feature Complement: The delicate appearance of fairy wand makes it an excellent companion plant around ponds or water features, where its reflection adds to the overall beauty.
- Themed Gardens: Fairy wand is ideal for 'fairy' or 'mythical' themed gardens, which aim to create a whimsical atmosphere.
- Floral Arrangements: The long, wiry stems and bell-shaped blooms are used in fresh and dried floral arrangements for their unique form and gentle movement.
- Mixed Borders: Its vertical form contrasts well with low, bushy plants, making fairy wand a good choice for mixed borders to provide textural diversity.
- Rock Gardens: Smaller varieties of Dierama can be incorporated into rock gardens, adding height and softness among the rocks and succulents.
- Cottage Gardens: Fairy wand's naturalistic look is reminiscent of traditional cottage gardens, contributing to an informal, relaxed planting style.
- Photography: Due to its photogenic qualities, fairy wand is often used as a subject in garden photography to capture the play of light through its flowers.
- Garden Wildlife Support: Although not renowned for this purpose, the flowers of fairy wand can attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, providing ecological benefits.
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- Grace and Elegance: Often referred to as Angel's Fishing Rod, Dierama mossii sways gracefully with the wind, which has made it symbolize elegance and poise.
- Fairy Charm: The delicate appearance of its flowers has led to a belief in its association with the ethereal charm of fairies.
- Mysticism: Its otherworldly beauty often has it represent mysticism and the allure of the unseen and spiritual realms.
- Lightness: The way Angel's Fishing Rod dances lightly upon the breeze can symbolize a lack of burden and the presence of lightness in one's life.
- Attraction: Its fishing rod-like stems, suggestively dangling flowers above the ground, can imply the act of attraction or drawing in what one desires.
WaterThe Angel's Fishing Rod prefers a consistently moist soil, especially during the growing season. Water it with about one inch of water per week, but make sure to adjust watering based on rainfall and temperature conditions. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it's important to ensure good drainage. In the summer months, you may need to water twice a week. Reduce watering during the plant's dormancy in winter to once every few weeks or when the soil is dry to the touch.
LightThe Angel's Fishing Rod thrives best in full sun to partial shade. A spot that receives morning sunlight and partial afternoon shade would be ideal to protect the foliage from harsh midday sun. Ensuring proper light conditions will promote vigorous growth and optimal flowering.
TemperatureThe Angel's Fishing Rod can survive a range of temperatures but grows best in conditions between 50°F and 70°F. It can withstand minimum temperatures down to about 20°F and should be protected from frost. The ideal growing conditions would not expose the plant to temperatures above 80°F for prolonged periods.
PruningThe Angel's Fishing Rod should be pruned to remove spent flowers and encourage further blooming. Pruning can be done after the plant has finished flowering, typically in late summer or early fall. Dead or damaged foliage should also be removed to maintain the plant's health and appearance. Pruning is not required for this plant’s survival but helps in keeping it looking tidy and may promote a fuller plant the following season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilAngel's Fishing Rod prefers well-draining soil with a mix of loam, peat, and sand to mimic its natural habitat, with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of about 6.0 to 7.0 for optimal growth.
RepottingAngel's Fishing Rod does not require frequent repotting; it should be repotted every 2 to 3 years or when it becomes root-bound.
Humidity & MistingAngel's Fishing Rod thrives in moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable and can tolerate some degree of variation in humidity.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, well-draining soil, and moderate watering.
Outdoor
Plant in well-draining soil, full sun to partial shade.
Hardiness zone
8-10 USDA
Life cycleDierama mossii, commonly known as Fairy's Fishing Rods, begins its life cycle with seed germination, occurring in a moist, well-drained soil environment in spring or autumn. As the seedling emerges, it develops a small clump of narrow, grass-like foliage, a characteristic of this perennial plant. Over time, the young plant matures into a larger clump with evergreen leaves and, after 2-3 years, it begins to produce tall, arching flowering stems in summer. These stems bear bell-shaped flowers that can range from pink to maroon in color, which, after pollination, usually by insects, develop into seed capsules. The seeds can be dispersed by wind or rain splash when the capsules dry and split open. The parent plant can also propagate vegetatively by division of the clumps every few years to maintain vigor and create new plants.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to summer
Propogation: Dierama mossii, commonly known as Angel's Fishing Rod, is typically propagated through division, which is best done in the early spring. To propagate via division, carefully dig up the clump of the plant and gently separate the corms, ensuring each division has a section of the roots attached. Replant these divisions at the same depth they were originally growing, spacing them about a foot (or 30 centimeters) apart to allow for adequate growth room. Water the divisions thoroughly after planting to help establish them. This method allows gardeners to create new plants that are genetically identical to the parent, ensuring the unique characteristics of Dierama mossii are preserved.
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