UC Master Gardeners, Santa Clara County, CA
University of California
UC Master Gardeners, Santa Clara County, CA

Water Wise Plants

Dierama pendulum

Pronunciation
dy-er-AH-muh
Common Name
Fairy Wand, Angel’s Fishing Rod
Plant Type
Bulb
Mature Size
Leaves to 2 ft. long, stems 4-7 ft. tall
Water Requirements
Low: water every three weeks until the root ball is wet
Sun/Shade Requirements
Full sun
Wildlife
Flower Color
Purplish pink to pink to white
Maintenance- Design- Planting Tips

Fairy Wand, also known as Angel’s Fishing Rod, has stunning flowers on long arching stems. It is certainly a “what is that?!” plant when it blooms in late spring and early summer. Be sure to put it in a spot that will showcase its tall blooms.

If the plant gets too big, the corms can be divided and replanted. Fairy Wand self sows, though heavy mulching may discourage seedlings. If reseeding is a problem, deadhead the flowers before they set seed.

Fairy Wand is usually evergreen in Santa Clara County’s climate, but leaves can be cut back in mid-summer if they become unattractive. Otherwise, this is a trouble-free plant with a big impact when it blooms.

PADG notes: Fairy Wand is said to need regular water, but a once every three weeks watering regime has worked well.

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