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Description
Moluccella, commonly known as Bells of Ireland, is a flowering plant that belongs to the mint family Lamiaceae. It is native to Turkey, Syria, and the Caucasus region, but it has been widely cultivated and naturalized in many parts of the world. Bells of Ireland gets its name from its tall, upright stems that are lined with small green bell-shaped calyxes, which enclose the true flowers. The plant can grow up to 3 feet tall and 1 foot wide and is an excellent addition to cut flower arrangements.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Magnoliophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Moluccella |
Appearance
Bells of Ireland has green, lance-shaped leaves that grow up to 4 inches long and 1 inch wide. The stems are sturdy, straight, and branchless, with small green calyxes arranged in a vertical line along the stem. The bell-shaped calyxes are about 1 inch long and have a papery texture. The true flowers are small and white and are surrounded by the calyxes. Bells of Ireland blooms in the summer, producing tall spikes of green flowers that can last for several weeks. The plant is also known for its pleasant, refreshing scent.
Care Guide
Bells of Ireland is a hardy plant that can grow in a variety of conditions, but it prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Here are some care tips to keep your Bells of Ireland healthy and thriving:- Water: Bells of Ireland does not require much water and can tolerate dry conditions. Water the plant only when the soil is dry to the touch.- Fertilization: Bells of Ireland does not require much fertilizer, but you can feed it with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.- Soil: Bells of Ireland prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. If your soil is heavy clay, add some sand or perlite to improve drainage.- Sunlight: Bells of Ireland prefers full sun, but it can tolerate some light shade.- Hardiness Zones: Bells of Ireland is hardy in USDA zones 8-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Bells of Ireland is relatively pest and disease-free, but it can be susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and botrytis. Here are some common pests and diseases to watch out for:- Aphids: These small, pear-shaped insects can suck the sap from the leaves and stems, causing them to curl and distort. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control aphids.- Spider Mites: These tiny, web-spinning pests can cause yellowing and stippling on the leaves. Use a strong stream of water or insecticidal soap to control spider mites.- Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white, powdery coating on the leaves and stems. Remove infected plant parts and apply a fungicide to control powdery mildew.- Botrytis: This fungal disease can cause gray mold on the flowers and stems. Remove infected plant parts and apply a fungicide to control botrytis.
Habitat
Bells of Ireland is native to Turkey, Syria, and the Caucasus region, but it has been widely cultivated and naturalized in many parts of the world. It can grow in a variety of habitats, including meadows, fields, and gardens. Bells of Ireland is often grown as an ornamental plant and is a popular choice for cut flower arrangements.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Bells of Ireland an annual or perennial plant?
A: Bells of Ireland is an annual plant.
Q: Can Bells of Ireland grow in shade?
A: Bells of Ireland prefers full sun, but it can tolerate some light shade.
Q: How tall can Bells of Ireland grow?
A: Bells of Ireland can grow up to 3 feet tall.
Q: Can Bells of Ireland grow in containers?
A: Yes, Bells of Ireland can be grown in containers as long as they are large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Bells of Ireland:- Lavender (Lavandula)- Sage (Salvia)- Catmint (Nepeta)- Bee Balm (Monarda)- Russian Sage (Perovskia)
References
– Missouri Botanical Garden, Moluccella laevis. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=281296&isprofile=0&- University of Florida IFAS Extension, Moluccella laevis, Bells of Ireland. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fp012- The Old Farmer’s Almanac, How to Grow Bells of Ireland. https://www.almanac.com/plant/bells-ireland
