Bells of Ireland (Moluccella laevis) is an annual flowering plant that produces long, slender stems of bright green, bell-shaped flowers. The blooms are usually a vibrant green, although some varieties may have white or yellow flowers. The plant is native to the Mediterranean region, but is now grown in gardens around the world. The flowers are often used in floral arrangements, as they add a unique texture and color to the bouquet. The plant is also known for its ability to attract beneficial insects, such as bees and butterflies.
Planning Your Garden With Bells of Ireland
As you plan your garden, it's important to think about the spacing, size, light, and nutrient requirements of all of your plant and how they'll grow together.
Some plants require more water than others, while other plants require dry soil. At the same time, some plants prefer full sun, and other plants need the shade to survive.
By studying what each plant requires and planning ahead where all of your plants will grow best, you can optimize your garden space.
| Life Cycle | Bells of Ireland is a perennial plant. |
| USDA Zone | Bells of Ireland (Moluccella laevis) is hardy in USDA Zones 8-11. |
| Cold Tolerance | Bells of Ireland are hardy in USDA zones 8-10, meaning they can tolerate temperatures as low as 32. |
| Days to harvest | The minimum number of days to harvest for bells of ireland is 60-90 days. |
| Average size | The average size of a full grown bells of ireland plant is between 2 and 3 feet tall and 1 to 2 feet wide. |
| Spacing requirements | Bells of Ireland should be spaced about 8-10 inches (20-25 cm) apart. |
| Sun tolerance | Bells of Ireland can tolerate full sun, but they prefer partial shade. |
| Shade tolerance | Bells of Ireland (Moluccella laevis) are considered to be moderately shade tolerant. They prefer full sun, but will tolerate partial shade. |
| Water requirements | For optimal growth, bells of ireland require moist, well-draining soil and regular watering. Water regularly and deeply, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Do not allow the soil to become soggy or waterlogged. During periods of extreme heat, water more frequently. |
| Fertilizer | The amount of fertilizer you should use when growing bells of ireland depends on the type of soil you are using and the type of fertilizer you are using. Generally, a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 is recommended. Apply the fertilizer at a rate of 1-2 pounds per 100 square feet of soil. |
| Soil pH | The optimum pH for growing bells of Ireland is 6.0-7.0. |
Why Bells of Ireland is Popular
People like to grow bells of ireland for their bright green color, their unique shape, and their ability to attract butterflies and other pollinators. They are also easy to care for and can be used as a filler in flower arrangements.
Companion Plants For Bells of Ireland
Companion planting is a great way to maximize your garden space and get the most out of your plants. By planting certain plants together, you can help each other thrive. In some cases, you can even help each other repel pests.
Popular companion plants for bells of ireland include:
Common Pests For Bells of Ireland
Plant pests are a common problem for gardeners. By understanding what pests are common for your plants, you can take steps to prevent them from damaging your plants.
When you grow bells of ireland, keep an eye out for these common pests:
- leaf miners
- aphids
- whiteflies
- spider mites
USDA Zones
USDA zones are a popular way of determining which plants can grow in your area. Zones tell you when your average first and last frost date are, as well as how cold you can expect it to get in the winter.
Our site works best if you choose your zone from the list below. If you do not know your USDA zone, then you can use our zone map.
