DIERAMA. Fairy wand. Central and southern Africa. The iris family is one of several which literally exploded in southern Africa, resulting in nearly endless variety for the adventurous gardener. The dieramas are among the most elegant of the lot. These are cormous perennials, making tight, usually evergreen clumps with grass-like leaves. Above these, mostly in spring and summer, rise slender, often gracefully arching stalks. These carry nodding, usually bell-shaped blossoms on nearly threadlike branches. Flower colors in the commonly cultivated species range from snow-white to crimson or purple. Often the flowers appear to be hand-painted, with glistening surfaces and subtle shadings. These are elegant and durable perennials for the garden, either as individuals (they make substantial clumps in time) or in groups. The following thrive in either sun or light shade, with reasonably well drained soil and regular watering. Hardy to 10^oF or less.

pulcherrimum. Fairy wand. The best-known species, and certainly one of the showiest. It makes thick clumps with erect to arching, grass-like 2’ leaves. In summer, its 3-6’ stems may arch over nearly to the ground, each carrying dozens of pendant, bell shaped 1-2" blossoms. They vary in color from purplish-rose to white, light to medium pink being the commonest shades. ‘Silver Dawn’, received from Steve Campbell, has blush pink blossoms. After losing a beautiful dark-flowered selection from Wintergreen days, I was pleased to receive seeds of an even more stunning strain derived from the Slieve Donard strain. These have rose-colored to nearly violet blossoms, often in vivid brush-stroke combinations. We are raising further seedling generations of these and reselecting for qualities which strike our fancy of the moment.