Bells of Ireland

Moluccella laevis Bells of Ireland / Shellflower

Tall, architectural spires of bell-shaped lime-green calyxes, each one cupping a tiny white flower like a delicate green lantern — Bells of Ireland is the cottage garden filler that brings vertical structure, pure colour and unmistakable florist quality to any cutting patch.

There is nothing else in the garden quite like Bells of Ireland. The plant grows to 60–90cm with stiff, upright stems lined from top to bottom with whorls of those distinctive flared green bells (technically calyxes, not flowers — the actual flower is small and white, sitting hidden inside each bell). The pure lime-green colour, the architectural form and the exceptional vase life make this one of the most prized green fillers in the florist's repertoire. As the bells age, they fade gradually to straw-gold and dry beautifully for autumn and winter arrangements. The name "Bells of Ireland" is purely poetic — the plant is actually native to the eastern Mediterranean, not Ireland, but the green bells caught the imagination of Victorian gardeners who gave it the name and it has stuck. Hardy annual. The gentle minty fragrance of the foliage (it's a member of the mint family) is a pleasant bonus.

A note on growing

Bells of Ireland germination is famously erratic and benefits from cold treatment. The traditional approach is to sow in autumn (September) directly into the ground or chill seeds in the fridge for two weeks before sowing in late winter. Surface-sow as the seeds need light to germinate, and do not cover. Maintain cool temperatures (10–15°C is ideal — this is not a plant for a warm propagator). Germination takes 14–30 days, sometimes longer. Plant out into full sun and well-drained, fertile soil. The plant has a long taproot and resents transplanting; direct sowing produces the strongest plants. Wear gloves when handling — the calyxes have small spines that can prickle bare hands.

Where it shines

In the cutting garden as the indispensable green filler — there is no better way to add height, structure and pure green to a summer or autumn bouquet. Hold up exceptionally well in the vase (up to two weeks), and dry beautifully if cut at the right moment (when calyxes are fully formed but not yet fading). In the border, plant in groups of five or seven to give the architectural spires a proper backdrop. Stunning in modern, structured plantings as well as traditional cottage borders.

Plant alongside

In the cutting garden, the lime-green pairs spectacularly with hot pink (Aster 'Duchess Mixed' or Cosmos), with white (Ammi majus or Cosmos 'Purity'), and with deep purple (Aster 'Peony Mix'). In the border, contrast the tall green spires with the soft horizontal forms of Achillea 'Cerise Queen' and the airy clouds of Briza Maxima.