Bells of Ireland

The beautiful upright lime green flowers are wonderful for use in fresh floral bouquets. The one most widely used in the garden is called Moluccella laevis and is in the Lamiaceae family. An Interesting note is that Lamiaceae or Labiatae refers to the flowers which typically have petals which have an upper and lower lip. The flowers are bilaterally symmetrical with five petals and five sepals. It is considered to have a flower cluster that looks like a whorl.

It can also be used for dry floral bouquets, something I will try. I know using it in fresh floral arrangements it can last weeks.

The plant can be grown from seed, which you will want to start before the last frost in the spring or start indoors in the fall. Bells of Ireland likes full sun but will tolerate some shade. It grows 2-3' tall and may require staking. Light and porous soil is best but will tolerate almost any. If left to go to seed, it will reseed in the garden. The plant likes regular to moderate water and has tiny thorns which can bite. I love using Bells for just about any arrangement, and sometimes occasionally, get to use it in my wedding work.

I highly recommend giving this a spot on your table! I was recently speaking with a new bride, and we got to chatting, then Annie's Annuals came up, and yes now we're into full plant geek mode. Love Love Love it! She said they get their seeds from a place caller Baker Creek which in turn has a location in Petaluma, the Petaluma Seed Bank. The original Baker Creek Farms is in Mansfield, Missouri in the original Rippee Farm which is noted as the oldest homespun homesteads in the state.

It looks like a fabulous place to visit! Check it out. I look forward to visiting the Petaluma Seed Bank and trying some new varieties out since last year I had so much fun growing my first seeds. All for the love of the garden.

bells and bride

bells in bucket

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