Angel's Fishing Rod Dierama 'Guinevere'
ABOUT
Dierama 'Guinevere', commonly known as angel's fishing rod or fairy wand, is a graceful plant noted for its delicate appearance. It features arching, slender stems that nod in the breeze, supporting bell-shaped flowers that dangle at the tips like pendulums. These blooms are often a charming pale pink shade, evoking an ethereal feel in the garden. The flowers are arranged in clusters and suspended from thin, wiry flower stalks, giving the illusion that they are floating in the air. The foliage of Dierama 'Guinevere' forms a clump of slender, grass-like leaves that gracefully arch outwards from the base, creating a fountain-like effect. The overall look of the plant is one of lightness and whimsy, making it a favorite for gardeners looking to add a touch of elegance and movement to their landscapes. The combination of its flowers and foliage contributes to the plant's allure, offering a visual softness that contrasts beautifully with more structured or rigid plants in the garden.
About this plant
- Names
Family
Iridaceae
Synonyms
Fairy Wand, Angel's Fishing Rod, Wandflower
Common names
Dierama 'Guinevere'.
- Toxicity
To humans
The plant in question, commonly known as Angel's Fishing Rod, is not widely known to be toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases or specific reports of toxicity associated with the ingestion or contact with Angel's Fishing Rod for humans. As such, there doesn't seem to be significant concern regarding poisoning or toxic consequences from this plant for people.
To pets
Similar to its effects on humans, Angel's Fishing Rod is not commonly known to be toxic to pets. There is no particular information suggesting that the ingestion of parts of this plant would cause any specific symptoms of poisoning in pets such as dogs and cats. Therefore, Angel's Fishing Rod is not normally listed among plants with known toxic effects on domestic animals.
- Characteristics
Life 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
Bulb
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Ornamental Appeal: Adds aesthetic value to gardens with its arching stems and bell-shaped flowers.
- Attracts Wildlife: Invites pollinators such as bees and butterflies, contributing to a healthy ecosystem.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Dierama 'Guinevere' is relatively drought-resistant, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care beyond the initial planting and establishment phase.
- Seasonal Interest: Provides visual interest from spring through summer, with its peak bloom period offering dramatic display.
- Adaptable: Can thrive in a range of soil types, provided they have good drainage.
- Frost Hardy: Can withstand low temperatures, making it suitable for cooler climates.
- Versatility: Suitable for borders, wild gardens, and as a focal point in a variety of garden designs.
- Non-Invasive: Unlike some ornamentals, Dierama 'Guinevere' does not aggressively spread and is manageable in the garden setting.
- Long-Lived Perennial: Offers years of enjoyment as it is a perennial that returns each year.
- 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 'Guinevere', commonly known as angel's fishing rod, can be used in dried floral arrangements. Its long, arching stems and bell-shaped flowers retain an attractive appearance even when dried.
- The plant's tall and elegant stature makes it a natural choice for large scale miniature landscapes or fairy gardens, providing a whimsical backdrop for tiny figurines.
- Angel's fishing rod can be included in wildlife gardens as their flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, enhancing biodiversity.
- The fibrous nature of angel's fishing rod foliage can be used in traditional crafting for the creation of natural twine or cordage.
- By using the plant as a natural marker or border in a garden, its distinct form and height variation can help in spatial planning and design.
- In photography, the dramatic arching stems of angel's fishing rod can serve as a foreground or background plant to complement portrait and macro photography.
- The reflective property of water droplets on angel's fishing rod after a rain can create a focal point in gardens for contemplative or meditative spaces.
- During windy days, the swaying motion of angel's fishing rod plants can be utilized in the garden for a dynamic and kinetic visual effect.
- When plated en masse, angel's fishing rod can be employed for their rustling sounds, contributing to the auditory experience of a garden setting.
- The strong vertical lines of angel's fishing rod can be used in landscape designs to contrast with low-lying plants and ground covers, creating a layered garden structure.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
The plant Dierama is not used in Feng Shui practice.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The plant Dierama is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Grace and Elegance: Dierama, commonly known as Angel's Fishing Rod, possesses a graceful arching form that symbolizes elegance and poise.
- Spirituality and Otherworldliness: The name Angel's Fishing Rod evokes images of the ethereal and spiritual realms, suggesting a connection to the divine or mystical experiences.
- Movement and Dance: The dangling flowers of Angel's Fishing Rod sway gracefully in the breeze, symbolizing life's rhythm and the dance of existence.
- Delicate Balance: The slender stems holding the blooms aloft reflect the delicate balance in life, reminding us of the fragility and beauty of our existence.
- Water
Angel's Fishing Rod prefers consistent moisture and should be watered deeply once a week, with about one to one and a half gallons per watering session for an established plant, depending on the weather conditions. During hot, dry spells, increase watering to twice a week. It's important to ensure the soil is well-draining to prevent waterlogging. In winter, reduce the amount of water since the plant requires less moisture during this dormancy period.
- Light
Angel's Fishing Rod thrives in full sun to partial shade. The ideal spot for this plant is in a garden area that receives bright, direct sunlight for at least six hours a day. However, it can also tolerate and bloom well with filtered light or light afternoon shade.
- Temperature
Angel's Fishing Rod grows best in temperatures ranging from 50°F to 75°F and is hardy enough to withstand a minimum temperature of 20°F. The ideal temperature conditions are mild and not too extreme, as it can be damaged by severe frosts. It can survive in varying temperatures as long as they don't drop below 20°F or soar too high above 75°F for extended periods.
- Pruning
Prune Angel's Fishing Rod to remove dead or damaged foliage, as well as to maintain its shape and encourage healthy growth. The best time for pruning is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Pruning is typically needed once a year, but you can also remove spent flower stalks after blooming to keep the plant looking tidy.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
Angel's fishing rod prefers a well-draining, loamy soil mix with generous amounts of compost or well-rotted manure mixed in. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 5.5 to 7.0 for optimal growth.
- Repotting
Angel's fishing rod does not require frequent repotting; it is best repotted every 3 to 5 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. Over-handling can stress the plant, so repotting should be done with care.
- Humidity & Misting
Angel's fishing rod thrives in moderate humidity levels, similar to what it would experience in its native habitat. It does not require high humidity and will do well in average room conditions.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Provide bright, indirect light and cool temperatures.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to partial shade, protect from harsh winds.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
- Life cycle
The Dierama 'Guinevere', commonly known as Angel's Fishing Rod or Fairy Wand Plant, begins its life cycle when the seeds are sown in early spring or autumn, ideally in a cold frame for initial development. Germination can be slow and may take several months, upon which the young plants grow a tuft of narrow, grass-like leaves. In its second or third year, Dierama starts to develop strong, arching flower stems that bear pendulous, bell-shaped flowers in shades of pink and purple during the summer months. After flowering, seed capsules mature, containing numerous seeds that can be collected for propagation or left to self-seed around the parent plant. Throughout the year, the evergreen foliage provides a graceful, fountain-like presence in the garden. As a perennial, Dierama 'Guinevere' will continue this cycle for many years, slowly forming larger clumps that can be divided in spring to propagate and maintain the vigor of the plants.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The most popular method for propagating Dierama 'Guinevere', commonly known as Angel's Fishing Rod, is by division. This is typically done in the spring after the threat of frost has passed. To propagate through division, gardeners should carefully lift the clump from the ground, using a fork or spade to minimize root damage. The clump should then be gently teased apart into smaller sections, making sure each has a portion of the roots and a few shoots. These divisions can be directly replanted into well-prepared soil. The new plants should be watered well until established, and it can take a couple of years before they flower prolifically.