Dierama dracomontanum

[ValerieM]

Advice sought on overwintering, care of Dieramas, especially D. dracomontanum.  I have seedlings of D. dracomontanum, D. mossii, D. robustum and D. pulcherrimum.  I understand they all like damp, so have been keeping them wet and they get sun most of the day in the nursery.  I am especially keen to keep dracomontanum and mossii happy through the winter, as they will make good additions to the rockery. 
Can anyone share some experiences or advice?
Thanks in advance.
Best regards,

[Paddy Tobin]

Valerie,

Here, in the south-east of Ireland, dieramas are grown outdoors and without any protection during winter. They enjoy a damp spot and look best when given room to spread themselves. They seed  about with abandon and should you wish to keep any species or cultivar pure it is necessary to remove seedheads rigorously. They are delightful plants.

They would be, to the best of my knowledge, equally hardy in British gardens so you must hope that someone who grows them in conditions similarly harsh in winter as you experience will give you the advise your require.

Best wishes with them. Paddy

[ValerieM]

Hi Paddy,
Thank you so much for your experience re: Dieramas.  I would think that SE Ireland has a lot of similar weather to here on the east coast of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, so am glad of your experience with wintering them over.  Thank you too for the tip on deadheading to keep them under control and true - duly noted !!  Since I started them from seed this spring and they are still in pots, no flowers yet, but fingers crossed for next year on the smaller varieties.
Thank you again.
Best regards,
ValerieM

[Paddy Tobin]

Valerie,

I believe we are, climatically, approximately Zone 8 USA. This might be a guide for you.

Paddy

[ValerieM]

Hi Paddy,
I have been told we are approx. 8b, so just a wee bit warmer.  How much rain do you get and how close to the coast are you?   It may be that summers here lately will be more of a challenge.  We had our first rain today after a month of sun and heat.
Thanks so much. 
ValerieM