You don’t have to be Irish to love the bells of Ireland, Moluccella laevis. Actually, they don’t come from Ireland but are native to western Asia.
Everyone who sees them in my garden comments on their novel handsomeness. They have been a longtime favorite with me—not only because of their attractiveness in the garden and flower arrangements but because they are so easy to grow from seed.
I sow the seed in early spring, and the plants bloom in June—even here in our cool, dry climate in Estancia, New Mexico.
Pale Green, Bell-Shaped Bracts
The pale green, bell-shaped bracts—not flowers—grow on spikes held well above the foliage, and each bract has five prickly angles.
If you look closely inside the bracts, you will find the real flowers. They are white and fragrant. The picture below is a close-up view.
New bracts continue to appear as the stems grow taller—often as high as 3 feet—and the plant blooms until cut down by hard frost.
But the ripe seed falls to the ground and comes up by itself early the next spring if left undisturbed.
“Clapper” Inside The Bell
The seed is borne at the base of the “clapper” inside the bell. There are always four triangular-shaped seeds in a tight circle at the top of the bell.
The bracts last well when cut and make a showy contrast with other flowers in a bouquet. I find them especially attractive with white gladiolus.
The bells can be used in winter bouquets, too, since they dry well.
When these dried bracts are sprayed with gold or bronze paint, they make unusual Christmas decorations.
41347 by ADA B. HOELSCHER