Description

Upright summer flowering corm with evergreen, strappy, grass-like foliage and thin arching stems bearing long tassels of tubular or bell shaped deep pink flowers up to a height of 1.5metres. The slender flower stalks move constantly in even the slightest breeze and the flowers open successively so that the showing persists over a long period. The rootstock is an annually renewed corm with a fibrous tunic and as it is an evergreen, it is never in a truly dormant state. They look particularly effective in herbaceous perennial borders or as isolated group specimens alongside a water feature. They can be grown in containers, but these need to be large enough so the plants have ample room to expand.

Cultivation

Dierama need good, well drained garden soil with ample moisture during spring and early summer and a preference for full sun but appreciate some afternoon shade in hot climates. Plant in groups 8 to 12cm deep and 30 to 45cm apart and remain undisturbed for several years. Prepare the growing site by digging over the soil and adding a good handful of blood and bone, rich compost or well decayed animal manure prior to planting out. Feed every spring as new growth is made. Plants take at least 1 season to settle in and flowering occurs after about 3 growing seasons. Aphids and fungal diseases may require control.