Common Name: Angel’s fishing rod
Family: Iridaceae
Native Range: Southeast Africa
Zone: 7 to 10
Height: 1.50 to 2.00 feet
Spread: 1.50 to 2.00 feet
Bloom Time: July to August
Bloom Description: Pink
Sun: Full sun
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Suggested Use: Annual
Flower: Showy
Tolerate: Deer, Drought, Shallow-Rocky Soil
Culture
Best grown in humusy, well-draining, medium moisture soil in full sun. Avoid heavy, poorly-drained clays. Can be grown in shallow, rocky conditions as long as good drainage is provided. Tolerant of some drought once established. Summer irrigation for newly planted clumps may be required. Do not disturb established clumps. Hardy in Zones 7-10. A winter mulch is recommended in the colder end of this plant's hardiness range. Can also be grown in a container as an annual.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Dierama igneum, commonly called angel's fishing rod, is a slow-growing, clump-forming perennial native to the moist grasslands of southeastern South Africa. The clumps of slender, grass-like foliage can reach up to 2' tall with an equal spread. This plant is evergreen except in the very coldest part of its hardiness range where the foliage tends to die back in winter. Gently arching flowering stalks (up to 3' long) emerge in mid-summer, bearing pastel-pink to coral-pink, pendulous blooms (to 1.5" long).
Genus name comes from the Greek word dierama meaning a funnel from the shape of the flower.
The specific epithet igneum means fiery or glowing, perhaps in reference to the color of the blooms.
Problems
No known pest or disease issues. Deer tend to avoid this plant.
Uses
Mixed perennial borders, pond edges, rock gardens, gravel gardens, seaside gardens. Plant above a retaining wall or in a container so the shape of the arching flowering stalks can be enjoyed.