Moluccella Species, Bells of Ireland
Moluccella laevis
Family: | Lamiaceae (lay-mee-AY-see-ee) (Info) |
Genus: | Moluccella (mol-yoo-SELL-uh) (Info) |
Species: | laevis (LEE-viss) (Info) |
Synonym: | Lamium moluccella |
Category:
Annuals
Water Requirements:
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater
Requires consistently moist soil; do not let dry out between waterings
Sun Exposure:
Sun to Partial Shade
Foliage:
Grown for foliage
Herbaceous
Smooth
Provides Winter Interest
This plant is resistant to deer
Foliage Color:
Bronze
Blue-Green
Height:
18-24 in. (45-60 cm)
24-36 in. (60-90 cm)
Spacing:
9-12 in. (22-30 cm)
Hardiness:
Not Applicable
Where to Grow:
Can be grown as an annual
Danger:
Bloom Color:
Chartreuse (yellow-green)
Bloom Characteristics:
Flowers are good for cutting
Flowers are good for drying and preserving
This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds
Flowers are fragrant
Bloom Size:
Bloom Time:
Late Summer/Early Fall
Other details:
Soil pH requirements:
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
Patent Information:
Non-patented
Propagation Methods:
From seed; direct sow outdoors in fall
From seed; winter sow in vented containers, coldframe or unheated greenhouse
From seed; stratify if sowing indoors
Direct sow as soon as the ground can be worked
Self-sows freely; deadhead if you do not want volunteer seedlings next season
Seed Collecting:
Allow seedheads to dry on plants; remove and collect seeds
Properly cleaned, seed can be successfully stored
Regional
This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:
Ashdown, Arkansas
Ferndale, California
Merced, California
Longmont, Colorado
Aurora, Illinois
Chicago, Illinois
Jacksonville, Illinois
Thomasboro, Illinois
Greenville, Indiana
Toddville, Iowa
Barbourville, Kentucky
Ewing, Kentucky
Cumberland, Maryland
Middleboro, Massachusetts
Charlevoix, Michigan
Byhalia, Mississippi
Belgrade, Montana
Miles City, Montana
Minden, Nevada
Los Lunas, New Mexico
Binghamton, New York
Elba, New York
Blacklick, Ohio
Cincinnati, Ohio
Vinton, Ohio
Rock Hill, South Carolina
Lenoir City, Tennessee
Allen, Texas
Anton, Texas
Fort Worth, Texas
Tremonton, Utah
Chester, Vermont
Leesburg, Virginia
Chewelah, Washington
Ione, Washington
Kalama, Washington
Seattle, Washington
Madison, Wisconsin
show allGardeners' Notes:
Rating | Content |
---|---|
Neutral | On Oct 8, 2010, gourdobean from Minden, NV (Zone 5a) wrote: Self sowed in tomato patch and now picking tomatoes is painful because of the dried spiny flowers. Be careful where you let these grow...they are cute when green and sharp when dried. |
Positive | On Nov 25, 2008, CurtisJones from Broomfield, CO (Zone 5b) wrote: From your friends at Botanical Interests: Annual. Blooms late summer. 2' - 3' tall. Full sun. Tall spikes of apple-green "bells" are perfect for the back of the border! A wonderful cut or dried flower. Turns straw-colored when dry. Self sows - will come back from seed the following year. Sow early spring, 2 - 4 weeks before last spring frost. Sow inside 6 - 8 weeks before last frost. Germination hint: Refrigerate seeds for 1 week before planting. Seed requires light to germinate - press lightly into soil surface and keep moist. Likes a well-drained, moderately fertile soil. |
Positive | On Jul 8, 2008, woofie from Chewelah, WA (Zone 5a) wrote: The seeds appear to keep very well. I had 4 seeds left from a packet purchased in 1994 and 3 of them germinated this year with no special care (other than starting them in a 4-pack in my greenhouse). Very nice contrast plant; great for cutting gardens. |
Positive | On Nov 9, 2007, Jnette from Northeast, WA (Zone 5a) wrote: I really like this plant. It is outstanding in cut bouquets. Always the last one to fade. Still looking good when the rest have to go. When I emptied my containers, the roots on this plant had what looked like tubers on them. |
Positive | On Nov 2, 2007, milkbonehappy from Chester, VT (Zone 5a) wrote: Unusual lime green color and dramatic spikes look great in arrangements. Needs cold exposure to germinate - I direct-sowed the seeds in the fall/early winter and they germinated the following spring. Easy to collect seeds from dried "bells" - there are 4 seeds in the base of each one; be careful for the small thorns on the stem which are soft when the plant is green but become sharp when the plant dries. Spikes do tend to flop over when they get large. Good for a cutting garden. |
Negative | On Jul 11, 2007, rebecca101 from Madison, WI (Zone 5a) wrote: These have some very good points: |
Neutral | On Apr 1, 2007, Angel_D from Quincy, IL (Zone 5b) wrote: the seed packet says that the seeds should either be chilled in the fridge for 5 days before planting, or soaked in warm water for 3-4 hours before planting. Sounds like cold temps are important for germination. |
Positive | On Jul 26, 2006, lemmons75 from Rock Hill, SC wrote: I planted them for the first time this year.They turned out well.I started them from seeds and had enough to give away to family and friends.Very beautiful flowers and a strong sent that smells like lemon.I plan to resow next year. |
Neutral | On Jun 8, 2006, rocknross from Los Lunas, NM (Zone 7a) wrote: watch out for the thorns |
Neutral | On Jan 27, 2006, Gabrielle from (Zone 5a) wrote: Bells of Ireland is an interesting enough plant, but not one of my favorites. It has self-seeded some, and I allow a few to stay in out of the way areas. They do have a tendency to flop. |
Positive | On Jun 19, 2003, tervito from Minneapolis, MN wrote: I live in Duluth. Last year put in a whole seed pack and got two seedlings, which matured into spectacular plants, although had more spread than I expected. At peak the stalks were about three feet high. |
Neutral | On Jan 7, 2001, gardener_mick from Wentworth, SD (Zone 4a) wrote: Bells of Ireland have erect stems that bear light green, bell-shaped, papery calyx flowers with white veination. They grow to 24-36" tall and flower late summer. Full sun to light shade is needed and should be planted in well-drained soil. They make a great dried flower and turn a straw color. |