Moluccella laevis

RHS Plant Profile
bells of Ireland

Other common names

Irish bell flower, Irish bells, Irish green bells, needles and thread, old maid's nightcap, smooth molucca balm, shell flower

Annual Biennial

An upright annual to 90cm tall, with bluntly toothed ovate leaves and, in late summer, long spikes of small, 2-lipped white or pale pink flowers, each held within a large, white-veined, pale green, bell-shaped calyx; good dried flower

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1 year
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Lamiaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus
Moluccella are erect annuals with opposite, scalloped, broadly ovate leaves and dense spikes of small 2-lipped flowers with large, bell-shaped calyces; useful for dried flower arrangement
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Europe Asia

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by seed at 13-18°C (55-64°F) in early or mid-spring, or in situ in late spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Coastal
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free