Bells of Ireland Flowers

The Bells of Ireland plant is a tall flowering annual with leaf parts that look like bell shaped flowers. The tall, bright green plants are complementary to other plants in the home garden. They are best planted in the rear of the flower bed with brightly colored flowers like marigolds, snapdragons, or dahlias in front of them. Bells of Ireland can even do well in containers if they are supported well. In the symbolism of flowers, it means good luck when you give Bells of Ireland to someone. Birds, butterflies and bees love this plant.

Also known as the Shell Flower and Molucca Balm, this plant is native to the Mediterranean. The Belgians first cultivated the flower in 1570 and the Latin name (Molucella laevis) comes from the Molucca islands in Indonesia. These flowers are only called ‚”Bells of Ireland” because of their green color, and they are not native to Ireland.

Appearance and Growth Habit

Bells of Ireland grows about twenty-four to thirty-six inches tall and is a member of the mint family. The one to two inch bell shaped ‚”flowers” are actually large calyxes, which are the leaves that are usually directly under flower petals. Some consider the rest of the foliage unattractive because the leaves are coarse looking and prickly. The actual flowers on this plant are small white blossoms that are inside of the ‚”bell”. The plant has a mild scent and flowers in late summer.

How to Grow Bells of Ireland from Seed

Bells of Ireland may be difficult to germinate but once the plants are started they will self seed prolifically. The seeds germinate best if they are cold treated. Put them in the refrigerator for at least a week before planting them. Bells of Ireland do not transplant well so avoid starting them indoors.

Bells of Ireland grow well in average soil and in full sun, but can tolerate partial shade. Sow the seeds out in the garden after all danger of frost has passed. At this time the soil temperature should be above fifty degrees. Scatter them on top of the soil but do not cover them. The seeds need light to germinate and the seedlings should sprout in about three to five weeks.

When the seedlings have emerged, thin them so they are spaced about twelve to fifteen inches apart. Don’t let the plants dry out, nor should they be too wet. Proper watering is important as the plant needs to be able to grow a strong, deep root system to support the large stalks. Stake the plant to prevent the stalks from breaking. Bells of Ireland matures quickly but once it blooms the plant is spent and it will not flower again. To ensure a consistent supply of blooms plant a new patch of seeds every couple of weeks until the middle of the summer. Though, if Bells of Ireland are left alone the plant will re-seed on its own.

How to Dry and Use Bells of Ireland

Bells of Ireland are excellent as cut flowers and they also dry well. When picked and put in vases this flower lasts about a week. Cut the flowers off the plant at the bottom of the stalk with sharp, clean pruning shears. Aside from cut flowers, the tall stalks can add winter interest to the garden. Once Bells of Ireland are killed by frost, leave the stalks standing in the flower bed.

Bells of Ireland make a nice complement to other flowers in dried arrangements because of their unusual foliage. To dry this plant, cut the stalks and then pick the coarse prickly leaves off of the stems. The ‚”bells” should be fully shaped before they are picked for drying. Tie the stalks together and air dry the flower bunches in a cool, dry place. The Bells of Ireland will fade to tan as they dry. To use them, place them in arrangements with dried grasses and other fall or winter themed natural materials.

Resources

How to Grow Bells of Ireland, Annual Flower

Moluccella laevis