Bells of Ireland, also known as Moluccella laevis, are an annual flower that normally develops green blooms in late summer or early fall. The plant is, on average, around 18 inches (45.7 cm) to 36 inches (91.4 cm) in height. The petals mostly resemble small bells, which helps the plant to earn its name. The flower may grow in full sun or partial shade, and is often attractive to bees and butterflies.
This flower is an annual variety, which means that it blooms for only one season. Bells of Ireland should be planted in spring, after the danger of frost for the growing area. They normally die off in the fall, before the first frost of winter.
Green blooms typically develop on the flower in late summer and remain until early fall. These are usually light to medium green in color. They generally blend nicely with the leaves of this flower, which are also usually light to medium green. Occasionally there will be a silver-gray or light blue color to these blooms, rather than green.
The height of a Bell of Ireland flower can vary, depending on growing conditions. For instance, the plant can be affected by how much sunlight it gets. Soil type, when the flower was planted, and the amount of water it receives are also factors that might determine how tall it grows. Taller plants do not usually need to be staked or supported by a trellis.
The petals of the Bells of Ireland somewhat resemble tiny bells. These are generally wide and very round. They tend to have a slightly wavy shape to them as well. There is usually a tiny stem that protrudes from the center of these bells. which may be purple or light blue in color.
Bells of Ireland prefer partial shade but can sometimes be grown in full sun. These flowers can be good choices for planting in flower beds, containers, or hanging baskets. They naturally attract butterflies and bees, so they might make a good accent or border plant in a butterfly or bee garden.
Gardeners who are looking for a flower with a unique color and shape may want to consider planting Bells of Ireland in their yards. The blooms can be beautiful as an accent to a flower bed or in a container. Their attractiveness to bees and butterflies can also have the added benefit of helping the rest of a flower garden pollinate and produce new growth.