Dierama pendulum

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Botanical Name

Dierama pendulum

Family

Iridaceae - The iris family.

Pronunciation

dy-er-AH-muh PEND-yoo-lum

Common Name(s)

Fairy bell, hair-bell; ithembu (Xhosa)

Plant Group

Bulb / Corm / Rhizome / Tuber / Epigeal bulb Bulbs: are made up of fleshy scales as in an onion Corm: a short, swollen, underground stem that is hard and not fleshy as in a gladiolus Tuber: a solid, fleshy, underground, storage organ as in a potato Rhizome: an underground, horizontal, swollen stem at the base of the plant as in an iris Epigeal bulb: bulbs that rest above the ground with only the roots anchoring the plant to the earth as in albuca

Plant Size

Large

Tree 18m to 25m

Shrub 3m to 4m

Perennial/ground cover 75cm to 1m

Bulb 80cm to 1.2m

Succulent 1m to 1.5m

Position

Sun The area is in full sun for all or most of the day, all year round.

General Information

Drought Tolerance: Medium The plant is moderately adapted to arid conditions and can survive short periods of drought and high temperatures without extra water.
Evergreen Plants that have leaves all year round.
Frost: Half-hardy The plant is able to survive low temperatures and some frost but requires protection against severe frost.
Water Moderate These plants will need some extra watering compared to water-wise plants. Plant them together, in at least some shade and in a convenient proximity to the house so that grey water can be utilised during times of drought.
Wind Tolerant Plants able to withstand the effect of strong winds.

Specific Information

Grows well in sandy, stony or marshy ground.
Forms grassy clumps.
These corms are much loved by mole rats: plant in containers or underground wire baskets.

Flowers

Description

trumpet-shaped blooms arranged on a thin, drooping stem

Season

Spring to Summer Plants will seldom bloom for the entire season as given in the list, but should flower during a period within these parameters.

Colour

pink

Growth Rate

Moderate Specifying growth rate can be very misleading as there is considerable variation of growth rate depending on type and species of plant, available water, supplementary feeding, mulching and general care, as well as the plants suitability and adaptability to the garden environment.

Plant Uses

Attracts bees and other insects This plant attracts insects which can be food for birds or other creatures in your garden.
Border A strip of ground, at the edge of a driveway or path in which ornamental plants or shrubs are planted.
Filler Either a fast growing tree or shrub used temporarily to fill in an area while the permanent plants grow to a desired size, or a plant used to fill gaps in borders or beds.
Rock Garden An area constructed of larger rocks, arranged naturally, to emphasise the use of stones as a main element. Generally plants used do not need a lot of care.
Water Features These plants may have dramatic, lush foliage or graceful form. They do not shed excessive leaves and do not have invasive root systems.
Wild Garden An indigenous garden planted for the benefit of wildlife and birds. Provides food, water, a variety of mini-biomes and no poisonous chemicals are used.

Ad Break

Distribution

Knysna in the southern Cape, to the Zuurberg and Grahamstown in the Eastern Cape.

Planting Suggestions

Plant in the sunniest position possible (this is vital for them to flower) in well-composted loam, in either well-drained or boggy conditions. The dense clumps that form should not be disturbed for five years or longer. Never cut back the green leaves as this interferes with growth and flowering. Gently tug only the outer, brown, old leaves to remove them if necessary.
During their rest period in autumn and winter they are able to survive relatively dry conditions. From early spring until late summer they require regular heavy watering.

Medicinal Uses

Availability