This elegant plant, with long slender stems and pendulous flowers, makes an excellent addition to gardens. The thin flexible stems never stand still, even on a calm day the bell-shaped flowers wave and dance in the lightest breeze. This continuous graceful movement attracts attention in any part of the garden where they are planted. Dierama pulcherrimum is particularly well suited to flowerbeds near ponds or streams where the graceful, arching stems can overhang the water. They are also well suited for rock gardens or large containers. Grow plants in groups for maximum impact but avoid mixing with other species as competition from close neighbours is detrimental. Once established, plants are long-lived, with evidence from Edinburgh of clumps persisting for over 25 years.

Plants are evergreen and flower in midsummer, between December and February. As a South African summer-rainfall plant it requires sufficient moisture throughout the summer and is not suited to hot, dry borders. In winter-rainfall areas, supplementary watering during the summer will be necessary to maintain healthy growth. Plants are fully frost hardy and can tolerate temperatures down to about −10°C.

Propagate D. pulcherrimum from seed or by division of corms. Sow fresh seed in spring in a well-drained potting mix. Cover seeds lightly and keep moist until germination occurs. Transplant seedlings once they are large enough to handle but take care not to disturb the roots excessively as Dierama species resent root disturbance. Plants grown from seed typically take several years to reach flowering size.

For propagation via corms, carefully divide corms during the dormant winter period. Dierama pulcherrimum strongly resents being disturbed and if transplanted, can take months, sometimes up to a year, to re-establish. During this period the foliage may die away and the plant appears to be dead, but with patience, leaves will eventually reappear and the plant will recover. When dividing, separate the cormlets from the parent corm and replant immediately. Do not allow the corms to dry out. Plant corms in the spring.

Dierama pulcherrimum prefers acidic to neutral, humus-rich and well-drained soil. It can also grow in sandy, loamy or chalky soils, but good drainage is essential. Choose a position in full sun for best flowering. Water regularly during the growing season from spring through to autumn to keep the soil moist. Fertilization is beneficial to ensure robust growth and prolific flowering. Apply well-rotted organic matter at planting and a balanced or high-phosphorus fertilizer once in early spring to established plants.

This species is generally pest-free when grown in well-drained conditions. The main pest in the species' native habitat is the bruchid beetle (Urodon lilii), which burrows into developing seeds and destroys them. This beetle also attacks other genera in the Iridaceae family. In cultivation, good horticultural practices and proper drainage help prevent most problems.