Dierama are native to South Africa and the Drakensberg mountains,
usually found in moist, mountainous grassland (but there is 44 species and above 100 cultivars, almost for all conditions). Dierama pulcherrimum is a distinctive-looking perennial with tall arching stems of bell-shaped, flowers. Each stem drops with the weight of the flowers which earns them the most romantic of names - Angel's Fishing Rods.
Dierama 'Autumn Sparkler' is an Angel's fishing rod with bright pink trumpet flowers on tall, strong stems. It is the last, and the most unusual, of all dieramas to flower, giving colour right into October and November when all others have long finished. The blossoms open in sequence along the wiry stems as the season progresses. They overhang gorgeously above a clump of long, narrow, grass-like leaves that are evergreen in mild winter climates. It is a very rare plant recorded from only one small locality in Ngome east of Vryheid in montane South Africa.
In my garden it grows outside all year round (3 years ago it survived under the cover of -24°C, every year -18°C). Blooms after 3-4 years (depends on the cultivar or conditions).
Dierama looks particularly good with early autumn-flowering ornamental grasses. Excellent for cutting or as a specimen plant surrounded by a low-growing groundcover. Dierama pulcherrimum is a desirable addition to any herbaceous border or gravel garden, they also lend themselves to pot culture. The original form of D. pulcherrimum was found in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. This is the most metallic violet / blue of all "sea holly" species. Heart-shaped leathery leaves surround these exotic blooms which make superb cut flowers, and when dried out, retain their colour indefinitely.
Sow indoors at any time. Sow 5mm deep into moist well-drained seed
compost. Ideal temp. 18°C. If germination has not taken place in 4-6
weeks cold stratify. Move to 4-5°C for 4-6 weeks then move to 12°C for
germination. Germination is very fast - seeds are fresh.