Photo: Blackstem Plants

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Dierama pulcherrimum

Angel's fishing rod

One of the best plants for any garden. The common name alone makes it worthy. Angel's fishing rod - just say it a few times to yourself and you'll have to get some. 

Very unassuming, almost shy, grey- green leaves form very well behaved small, spiky clumps that are easily ignored. Looking like grass, they behave impeccably until the fishing line is cast from the leaves dangling the 'bait' at the tip. This bait is a string of bell shaped flowers in varying shades of pink that open in succession until the end of the "line" is covered in them. The weight of the flowers bends the stem until it resembles a rod being cast over water. 

Lasting for ages, the flowers eventually fall off to leave seed pods that split, revealing bright orange seeds. Very easy on well drained soil but Dierama hate root disturbance so once planted leave them alone.