Fiery Fairy Bells

Deep pink, almost red, flared bells hang elegantly from narrow, arching stems throughout summer and into autumn.

The flowers form on narrow stems which create beautiful movement in the garden, as they wave in even the gentlest breeze. Each bloom is around 3-5cm long. The flowers are followed by green-brown seed heads that can be decorative in their own right.

Easy to care for, Fairy Bells are evergreen, cormous perennials and will multiply at a moderate rate once established. Birds and insect pollinators love the flowers too. The slender leaves are quite upright and grow to around 60cm.

They are endemic to South African grassy hills and they look really good when grown in combination with other ornamental grasses. They are also gorgeous by ponds, or as part of a garden bed. They can even be grown in containers.

Keep Fairies Bells relatively moist in spring and summer while they are actively growing. They can take the dry over their autumn and winter repose, but are equally happy with moisture. They remain evergreen but aren't actively growing in the cool weather. They are mostly trouble free, though Aphids can cause minor damage. Frost hardy to -5C.

A humus rich, well drained soil is ideal. Fairy Bells flower best after they have had time to establish. So expect flower numbers to increase each year. Divide every four or five years, as they become overcrowded and the flowering decreases. They don't like their roots to be disturbed, so are best planted somewhere permanent.

Dierama igneum common names include Angel Fishing Rods, Fairy Fishing Rods, Fairy Wandflowers, Fairy Bells and Hair Bells.