Fairy Wand Flower, also known as Dierama, is a captivating perennial that brings elegant movement to any garden. Its delicate, bell-shaped flowers gracefully dangle from slender, arching stems, creating a distinctive visual appeal.
Identifying Fairy Wand Flower
The genus Dierama encompasses approximately 44 species, primarily native to the mountainous grasslands of Southern Africa, particularly the KwaZulu-Natal province. Common names for this plant include Angel’s Fishing Rod, Hairbells, and Wandflowers, alluding to its appearance. Dierama pulcherrimum is one of the most widely available and easiest species to grow.
Fairy Wand Flower forms a clump of long, narrow, grass-like foliage, typically bluish-green, that can reach up to 2 feet in height. From mid-summer through autumn, tall, wiry stems emerge, arching gracefully and reaching heights of 3 to 5 feet, or even up to 8 feet wide in mature specimens. These robust stems bear pendulous, bell-shaped flowers, 3 to 6 centimeters in length, which open in sequence from late June to mid-August. The flowers come in various shades of pink, ranging from pale rose to bright magenta, and can also be found in dusky purple, white, yellow, or red, depending on the cultivar. After the flowers fade, attractive seed heads develop in papery sheaths.
Essential Growing Conditions
Environmental needs are important for Fairy Wand Flowers to thrive, especially during establishment. These plants prefer an open, sunny location, needing at least six hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal flowering. While they can tolerate partial shade, full sun generally leads to more abundant blooms.
Soil is important; they require well-draining, fertile soil that remains moist but never waterlogged. If your garden has heavy clay or light sandy soil, amending it with ample well-rotted organic matter before planting will improve drainage and fertility. A slightly acidic to neutral pH, ideally between 6.1 and 7.3, is generally preferred, though they are quite tolerant of varying pH levels. Fairy Wand Flowers are hardy in USDA Zones 7 to 10, but some species or cultivars may have varying hardiness. Newly planted Dieramas need consistent watering during their first growing season to establish.
Routine Care and Maintenance
Once established, Fairy Wand Flowers are low-maintenance plants. Mature plants growing in fertile soil do not require extensive feeding. However, if growth or flowering appears poor, or for plants grown in containers, a general-purpose fertilizer, such as blood, fish, and bone meal, can be applied in spring. A slow-release granular fertilizer or a balanced 10-10-10 liquid fertilizer can also be used, ensuring it is mixed into the soil away from the corms.
Pruning needs are minimal; minimal cutting is required. You can deadhead spent flowers to tidy the plant, although the seed pods are often considered ornamental in their own right. Removing any old, faded, or browned foliage in early spring helps maintain a neat appearance and promotes healthy new growth. Fairy Wand Flowers are generally trouble-free regarding pests and diseases. The primary concern is preventing root rot by ensuring excellent drainage. In colder zones, especially for newly established plants, providing winter protection is advisable. This includes covering plants with a cloche or fleece, and applying a thick layer of mulch over the root zone to insulate the corms from cold and dampness.
Multiplying Fairy Wand Plants
Fairy Wand Flowers can be multiplied through two main methods: division and growing from seed. Division is best performed when established clumps become overly dense, usually every three to four years, as they can be slow to re-establish after disturbance. This process should ideally occur in late winter or early spring, or just after flowering when the soil is warm. Carefully lift the clump, taking care not to damage roots, and gently pull it apart into smaller sections. Cutting the foliage by half before replanting reduces water loss and helps the divisions re-establish, though they may take one to two years to flower freely again.
Growing from seed is another option. Collect ripe seeds from the plant after flowering in late summer or early autumn. Sow them immediately into small pots or seed trays filled with seed compost and place them in a cold frame or unheated greenhouse. Germination can be erratic, and seedlings should be protected from frost. Plants grown from seed may take up to five years to bloom and can exhibit variations from the parent plant due to cross-pollination.
Solving Common Growth Issues
While Fairy Wand Flowers are generally robust, certain issues can arise. A common problem is a lack of blooms, which can occur if the plant is too young. Insufficient sunlight is another cause; ensuring the plant receives full sun for at least six hours daily encourages more flowering.
Browning leaves or wilting can indicate improper watering. Established plants prefer consistently moist soil during the growing season and may show stress if it dries out excessively. Conversely, waterlogged conditions, particularly in winter, can lead to root rot and similar symptoms, as they dislike overly wet conditions. Ensure excellent drainage to prevent this. If foliage becomes sparse or less vigorous, a spring application of a general-purpose fertilizer may help, especially if soil lacks nutrients or the plant is in a container. Avoiding frequent disturbance or transplanting is advisable, as Fairy Wand Flowers do not like root disturbance and take time to recover.