Overview of Bells of Ireland
Bells of Ireland or shellflower, Molucella laevis, is a half-hardy annual that produces unusual pale green to emerald green, funnel-shaped “bells” along green stems in summer. The persistent bells are the showy calyx (cup-shaped sepals around the base of the flowers) which surrounds tiny, fragrant, white flowers. The papery ¾ to 1¼ inch bells are densely packed along most of the length of the square stems that reach 2 to 3 feet tall. Clusters of 2½ inch long leaves alternate between the bells, with pairs of small thorns or spines below each calyx.
Despite the common name, this plant in the mint family (Lamiaceae) is not from Ireland but is native to western Asia, around Turkey, Syria and the Caucasus. Even Linnaeus, who named the plant, was a bit confused about its origin, naming the genus after the Molucca Islands in Indonesia where it was mistakenly thought to be from. It’s only association with Ireland likely has to do with the color and associated marketing potential. It has been cultivated since 1570 and the flowers are considered a symbol of good luck. Both the flowers and rounded, pale green leaves with slightly scalloped edges have a distinct, difficult-to-describe scent.
Landscape Use of Bells of Ireland
Bells of Ireland are nice when combined with other colorful annual flowers in the border or cut flower garden. They also do well in containers, offering a vertical component. The light green color complements purple-leaved plants. It can also be used in monochromatic schemes with other green-flowered plants such as Zinnia ‘Envy’ and Nicotiana langsdorffii, or along with bright green coleus such as ‘Premium Sun Lime Delight’ or ColorBlaze® Lime Time® (variety ‘UF12-30-6’, USPP 27,140). Plants even look interesting late in the season when the old spikes become dry and bleached (if they haven’t been pruned out to encourage new growth).
Blooming stems can be cut to before use in fresh or dried flower arrangements. They are especially effective when used in all-foliage and contemporary arrangements. When dried, the color eventually fades to a pale beige. To dry, pick the stems when the bells are fully open and hang upside down in small bunches in a dry, airy place until fully dry.
General Care of Bells of Ireland
Bells of Ireland prefers full sun and regular water. Water during drought periods and fertilize monthly for best results. These plants do not do well in summer in hot, humid climates. Taller spikes may need staking in windy sites. Bells of Ireland has few pest problems and is not favored by deer or rabbits.
Propagating Bells of Ireland
This bedding plant is easily started from seed. Sow seeds indoors 8 to 10 weeks before last frost. Barely cover the seed as light is beneficial to germination.
Germination may be slow, taking up to a month. Consistently moist conditions and fluctuating day and night temperatures (80 to 86 °F day and 60 °F night temperature) promote germination. Some resources suggest cold stratification for two weeks can improve germination, but research has not shown this to be beneficial.
The small plants can be transplanted outdoors once night temperatures are above 40 °F. Place in sun to partial shade in ordinary garden soil and space about a foot apart.
Bells of Ireland often self-seeds in the garden if flower stalks are left on the plants until dried. The dark colored seeds can be collected to save for sowing the following year or allowed to scatter on the ground. Small seedlings can be transplanted to other locations, if desired (although they may wilt temporarily until re-established).
Author: Susan Mahr, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Reviewers: Allen R. Pyle, Horticulture Outreach Specialist, UW-Madison Extension, Bruce Spangenberg, Horticulture Outreach Specialist, UW-Madison Extension
Revised: June 2026
