Angel's Fishing Rod Dierama pulcherrimum var. album
ABOUT
Dierama pulcherrimum var. album, commonly known as the white fairy wand, features graceful, arching stems from which delicate, bell-shaped white flowers dangle, creating an ethereal, fairy-like appearance. The flowers, with their satin-like sheen, hang loosely from the stems like lanterns fluttering in the breeze. The long, slender leaves are grass-like, forming tufts that emanate from a central clump, lending a texture similar to ornamental grass in the garden. The overall form of the white fairy wand is often described as fountain-like, with foliage spilling out and flowers cascading from the tall, wiry flower stalks. The coloration of this variety, being primarily white, adds a touch of sophistication and provides a stunning contrast against the green foliage.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Iridaceae.
Synonyms
Angel's Fishing Rod, Fairy's Wand, Fairy Bells, Wandflower.
Common names
Dierama pulcherrimum var. album.
ToxicityTo humans
The common name for Dierama pulcherrimum var. album is Angel's Fishing Rod. There is no widespread evidence to suggest that Angel's Fishing Rod is toxic to humans. As with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities could occur, but general toxicity causing symptoms from ingestion is not commonly reported. Care should still be taken to avoid consuming parts of this or any ornamental plant unless it is known to be edible.
To pets
Angel's Fishing Rod is not known to be toxic to pets. There are no specific symptoms of poisoning associated with this plant since it is not commonly recognized as a poisonous plant. However, it is always advisable to prevent pets from ingesting plants that are not intended for consumption, as individual reactions or digestive issues could occur.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters)
Spread
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Dierama pulcherrimum var. album, commonly known as Angel's Fishing Rod, features arching stems and bell-shaped flowers, adding aesthetic value to gardens.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers of the Angel's Fishing Rod attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects, supporting biodiversity.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, the Angel's Fishing Rod requires minimal care, making it suitable for gardeners with different levels of experience.
- Drought Tolerance: Due to its ability to withstand dry conditions once established, it is an excellent choice for water-wise gardens.
- Architectural Interest: With its long, slender stems and pendulous flowers, the plant adds movement and height to a garden border or bed.
- Long Flowering Season: Angel's Fishing Rod offers a prolonged period of blooming, typically from late spring to late summer, ensuring a long-lasting display.
- Versatility in Landscaping: It can be planted in borders, around ponds, or in wild garden settings, offering versatility in garden design.
- Perennial Growth: As a perennial, it returns each year, reducing the need for annual replanting and providing consistency in the garden landscape.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dierama pulcherrimum var. album, commonly known as Angel's Fishing Rod, can be used as a tool for teaching plant propagation techniques such as division or seed collection.
- The plant's tall, slender stems can act as natural supports for climbing plants that aren't heavy, providing aesthetically pleasing garden design options.
- The fibrous nature of the foliage could be explored for making handcrafted paper for artistic projects.
- Dried flower heads of Angel's Fishing Rod can be used in floral arrangements and creating dry bouquets due to their graceful appearance.
- Photographers can use the striking form of the plant as a subject for practicing depth-of-field and focus techniques in garden photography.
- The plant's reflective foliage and drooping flowers can be strategically placed to cast interesting shadows in the garden, particularly when illuminated by creative lighting.
- When planted along the edges of ponds or water gardens, the pendulous flowers can create a beautiful reflection in the water, enhancing the landscape.
- Angel's Fishing Rod can be used as a living outdoor sculpture, especially in minimalist gardens where its delicate form contrasts with simpler surroundings.
- The long, wiry stems can serve as natural 'dip pens' for ink drawings or can be incorporated into arts and crafts for their unique shape and texture.
- Angel's Fishing Rod can be included in school projects or educational gardens to teach students about the importance of pollinators, as the plant's flowers attract bees and butterflies.
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 and Grace: Known as the Angel's Fishing Rod, Dierama pulcherrimum var. album features delicate, arching stems that appear to float above the garden, much like an angel's gentle movements, symbolizing a sense of elegance and airy grace.
- Attraction and Charm: The Angel's Fishing Rod blooms with charming bell-shaped flowers, evoking a sense of attraction and allure in the realm of garden aesthetics and symbolizing the bewitching beauty found in nature.
- Serenity and Calm: Angel's Fishing Rod sways gently in the breeze, its movement and flow invoking a sense of calm and tranquility, offering a symbol of peace and serenity to onlookers.
- Persistence: As a perennial plant, Angel's Fishing Rod returns year after year, embodying the idea of persistence and the enduring nature of life.
WaterAngel's Fishing Rod prefers consistent moisture, especially during its growing season in spring and summer. Water deeply once a week, providing about 1 to 1.5 gallons depending on the size of the plant and weather conditions, ensuring that the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. During the hotter months, you may need to water twice a week. As fall approaches, reduce watering to help the plant harden off for winter. Always adjust watering frequency based on rainfall and temperature, as overwatering can lead to root rot.
LightAngel's Fishing Rod thrives in full sun to partial shade with a preference for bright, indirect light. It is best positioned in a spot where it will receive at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. Avoid deep shade as this can lead to poor flowering and a leggy growth habit. This plant is versatile and can adapt to varying light conditions but optimal bloom production occurs with ample sunlight.
TemperatureAngel's Fishing Rod does well in a wide range of temperatures, but it prefers a temperate climate. It can survive minimum temperatures down to about 20°F but ideally should be cultivated where temperatures range between 50°F and 75°F. Protect the plant from extreme heat by ensuring it is well-watered during periods of high temperature. It can withstand short periods of colder weather, but prolonged exposure to temperatures below its cold threshold may damage or kill the plant.
PruningAngel's Fishing Rod should be pruned to remove spent flowers and dead foliage, which encourages new growth and maintains the plant's appearance. Pruning is best done after flowering, typically in the late summer or early fall. Cut back flower stems to the base and remove any yellow or damaged leaves. Pruning every year or every other year can help rejuvenate the plant and keep it looking its best.
CleaningAs needed
SoilAngel's Fishing Rod prefers well-draining, fertile soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. A mix of loamy soil with added compost and a bit of fine bark or grit to ensure drainage works best for this plant.
RepottingAngel's Fishing Rod does not require frequent repotting and can be done every 2-3 years or when it has outgrown its current pot.
Humidity & MistingAngel's Fishing Rod thrives in moderate humidity levels but does not require any special humidity considerations when grown outdoors in its preferred environment.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light and well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun with well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycleDierama pulcherrimum var. album, also known as Angel's Fishing Rod, begins its life cycle as a seed, which when sown, will germinate in moist, well-drained soil, typically in spring under suitable conditions. The seedling stage is characterized by the emergence of grass-like leaves, and it may take several years for the plant to become fully established and ready to flower. During the vegetative stage, the plant forms a clump of slender, arching foliage and develops corms underground that serve as storage organs. The reproductive stage is notable for its tall, arching stems that bear bell-shaped, white flowers during the summer, which attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. Following pollination, the plant produces seed capsules, and when mature, they release seeds to allow for dispersal and propagation. Angel's Fishing Rod eventually enters a period of dormancy in winter, where growth slows or pauses until conditions become favorable again in spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Propogation: For Dierama pulcherrimum var. album, commonly known as Angel's Fishing Rod, the most popular method of propagation is by dividing its corms. This is usually done in the spring as new growth begins to appear. To propagate, carefully lift the parent plant and gently separate the corms, ensuring that each division has a piece of the parent corm and some roots attached. These divisions can then be replanted at a depth of about 3 to 4 inches (approximately 7.5 to 10 centimeters) in well-drained soil. It is important to keep the soil moist while the new plants establish.
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