Flower
Bells of Ireland
Bells of Ireland (Moluccella laevis) is a beloved heirloom annual that has been grown since at least 1570, celebrated for its striking lime-green, bell-shaped calyces that line tall flower spikes from summer through early fall. The tiny, fragrant white flowers nestled inside each calyx are almost incidental to the real show: those papery-textured green bells that persist long after bloom and turn an attractive beige as the season progresses. Growing 24 to 36 inches tall in hardiness zones 2 through 11, this cool-season annual reaches flowering stage in 90 to 99 days from seed and thrives in full sun with consistent moisture. Originally wild in the cool, dry highlands of Syria and Turkey, it has become a garden staple and florist favorite, equally stunning fresh or dried in arrangements.
Photo © True Leaf Market
Growing Conditions
USDA Zone
2-11
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
High
Soil
Well-drained, Fertile Loam
Growth Stats
36 in
Height
18 in
Width
TypeUpright
Spacing
10
Plant Profile
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
High
Zones
2-11
Size
36in H x 18in W
Growth
—
Care
High
Hover over chart points for details
Highlights
The real appeal here is those translucent, papery, apple-green bell-shaped calyces that pack densely along upright flower spikes, creating architectural interest that outlasts most summer bloomers. The contrast between the showy green bells and the tiny, sweetly fragrant white flowers hidden inside is genuinely enchanting. This plant loves cool weather and doesn't demand much once established, thriving on consistent moisture and full sun while remaining virtually pest and disease-free. It's equally at home anchoring a garden border or freshly cut in a vase, and the dried spikes last for months without fading.
Common Uses
Bells of Ireland shines as a fresh cut flower, bringing height, texture, and an unusual green hue to bouquets and seasonal arrangements that would otherwise rely on traditional foliage. The dried spikes are equally valuable, retaining their shape and color for months, making them excellent for dried arrangements and winter decorations. In the garden, the tall, upright spikes serve as a distinctive accent in borders, adding contrast to typical flowering plants. Their ability to thrive in containers also makes them suitable for patio displays and as backdrop plantings in mixed containers.
Growing Timeline
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Care Instructions
Start Indoors
Start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your last spring frost date in 3-inch biodegradable pots, as the roots are sensitive to disturbance. Press seeds onto the surface of the seedling mix and cover lightly. Keep the soil temperature between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, and provide alternating warm and cool temperatures (around 50 to 75 degrees) for better germination. Some sources recommend refrigerating the pots for 5 days after sowing, which can improve sprouting rates. Expect germination in 12 to 21 days. Transplant seedlings outdoors 6 to 8 weeks after sowing.
Transplant Outdoors
Transplant seedlings outdoors at or just after your last spring frost date, since this is a frost-tender annual. Space plants 10 to 12 inches apart. In mild winter areas (hardiness zones 8 to 10), you can also sow seeds directly in fall for early spring growth. Harden off indoor-started seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over 7 to 10 days before final planting.
Direct Sow
Direct sowing is actually recommended and often produces better plants than indoor starting. Sow seeds 2 to 4 weeks before your average last spring frost date to allow a chilling period in cool soil. You can also direct sow in fall in mild winter climates. Press seeds onto prepared soil surface (no burying needed), keep the soil evenly moist, and be patient during germination, which takes 12 to 21 days or longer in cool soil.
Harvesting
For fresh-cut flowers, harvest in the morning when the flowers are freshest. Bells of Ireland are ready to harvest when the small white flowers have appeared inside the bell-shaped calyces. Make a clean, deep cut into the plant using a sharp knife dipped in a 10 percent household bleach solution. To prolong the life of cut stems in a vase, add a few drops of bleach to the water. The green calyces will eventually turn beige as seed develops, at which point they transition to dried flowers.
Pruning
No formal pruning is required, but deadheading spent flower spikes will prolong the blooming season and encourage additional flowers to develop on the plant.
Growing Calendar
Enter your ZIP code to see a personalized growing calendar for this plant.
Companion Planting
Pests & Diseases
Ecology & Traits
Attracts Pollinators
Bloom Time
July To September
Scientific Classification
Moluccella laevis
Family
Lamiaceae
Genus
Moluccella
Growth Habit
Upright
Native Status
L48 (I)CAN (W)
History & Origin
“Bells of Ireland has roots stretching back to at least 1570, when it was first cultivated in gardens. The plant itself is native to the cool, arid highlands of Syria and Turkey, but the vibrant green of its calyces became so strongly associated with Ireland and Irish good luck that it earned its common name. This connection to Ireland, despite its Middle Eastern origins, is purely cultural and romantic. The variety has survived centuries of cultivation because it is genuinely easy to grow and rewarding to both gardeners and flower arrangers, making it one of the few truly heirloom flowers that remains popular today.”