Angel’s fishing rod (wand flower) Dierama pulcherrimum
Angel’s fishing rod (wand flower) (Dierama pulcherrimum) is an evergreen perennial flowering plant in the Iridaceae family, native to Grassland of the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It grows 1–1.8 m (3.3–5.9 ft) tall and 50–80 cm (20–31 in) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -12 °C (10 °F). Space plants about 60 cm (24 in) apart.
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Angel’s fishing rod (wand flower) at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Iridaceae |
| Mature height | 1–1.8 m (3.3–5.9 ft) |
| Mature spread | 50–80 cm (20–31 in) |
| Spacing | 60 cm (24 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -12 °C (10 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 8) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Flowering | about 104–156 weeks after planting, for 4–7 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Grassland of the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa |
| Common in gardens of | 🇿🇦 South Africa, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇮🇪 Ireland, 🇳🇿 New Zealand, 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇺🇸 United States |
Is Angel’s fishing rod (wand flower) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not known to be poisonous.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Angel’s fishing rod (wand flower)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Angel’s fishing rod (wand flower)
- How far apart should I plant Angel’s fishing rod (wand flower)?
- About 60 cm (24 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 50–80 cm (20–31 in).
- Does Angel’s fishing rod (wand flower) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Angel’s fishing rod (wand flower) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Angel’s fishing rod (wand flower)?
- It tolerates about -12 °C (10 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 8.
- When does Angel’s fishing rod (wand flower) flower?
- About 104–156 weeks after planting, for 4–7 weeks.
- Is Angel’s fishing rod (wand flower) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not known to be poisonous.
- What grows well with Angel’s fishing rod (wand flower)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Angel’s fishing rod (wand flower). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- PlantZAfrica, South African National Biodiversity Institute
- RHS Find a Plant (plant profiles and growing guides), Royal Horticultural Society
Notes and assumptions
- Tall, wiry, arching stems like fishing rods, hung with dangling pink or magenta bells that sway in the slightest breeze in summer, over evergreen grassy leaves. Lovely beside water; resents being moved.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
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- Japanese iris Iris ensata
- Siberian iris Iris sibirica
- Dutch crocus Crocus vernus
- Gladiolus Gladiolus x hortulanus
- Freesia Freesia refracta hybrids
- Montbretia (crocosmia) Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora
- African iris Dietes grandiflora