Bells of Ireland

There is nothing else in the garden quite like it. Bells of Ireland produces tall, architectural spires of bell-shaped lime-green calyxes — each one cupping a tiny white flower like a delicate green lantern — rising to 60–90cm with a stiff, upright presence that brings vertical structure and pure colour to any cutting patch or border.

The pure lime-green, the architectural form, and the exceptional vase life of up to two weeks make this one of the most prized green fillers in the florist’s repertoire. As the bells age they fade gradually to straw-gold and dry beautifully for autumn arrangements. A note: germination is famously erratic and benefits from cold treatment — chill seeds in the fridge for two weeks before sowing, or sow direct in September.

• Moluccella laevis — Hardy Annual
• Height: 60–90cm | Flowers: July–September
• Sow September direct, or chill seeds 2 weeks then sow February–March
• Surface sow — seeds need light; cool temperatures 10–15°C ideal
• Full sun; well-drained, fertile soil — direct sow for strongest plants
• Vase life up to 2 weeks — dries beautifully at straw-gold stage
• Wear gloves when handling — calyxes have small spines

Grow it with Cosmos Purity and Ammi majus for a cutting garden combination of white and green that is the foundation of every great summer bouquet.