Where To Buy Bells Of Ireland Plants

This plant, with its fresh lime-green flowers, is called Bells of Ireland, pixiebells or shellflowers. Bees love to dive into their green bell-shaped calyxes. The plants produce multiple sturdy stems that will remain upright even after heavy rainfall. They can be harvested at any length. Bells of Ireland tend to keep growing, becoming ever longer. They have an excellent vase life and will easily last two weeks. Their long vase life and decorative appearance have made them very popular among florists. The annual summer blooming flower is therefore excellent an excellent choice as a cut flower and captures the attention in every border.

where to buy bells of ireland plants

Standing tall and proud, Bells of Ireland garner lots of praise for their unique hue and their cup-shaped green calyxes. Did you know that bells of Ireland are not native to Ireland? They are actually found throughout Turkey, Syria and the Caucasus. In the language of flowers, they represent good luck, linking their name to Ireland and the luck of the Irish. Also known as shell flower and molucca balm, bells of Ireland are a part of the mint family. Upon closer examination, you will find small white flowers buried deep inside. Bells of Ireland are a popular choice for weddings, graduations, anniversaries and any occasion where you want to spread some good luck. In addition to their charm, they have a lovely, sweet scent that softly fills the air.

Sow seeds where you want the plants to grow in early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked. Or, start seeds indoors in late winter and set out the seedlings while the soil is still cool. Our Garden Planner can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Cut stems for flower arrangements when half of the bells on a flowering spike are open. When growing bells of Ireland for drying, allow the spikes to remain on the plants until all the bells have opened.

If you choose to start bells of Ireland indoors, plant them eight to 10 weeks before the last frost of the year. Young plants can resist light frost, but a sudden freeze can damage them. A seedling heat mat can speed up the process as well, if you have one on hand, but be sure to remove it as soon as germination occurs. Barely cover the seeds with soil so light can reach them. If possible, use grow lights to ensure the seeds get the light they need. Position grow lights two or three inches above the soil, and keep them on for 18 to 20 hours per day.

Water seeds and seedlings frequently, and do not let the soil dry out. Harden off young plants grown indoors by exposing them to the elements in gradually increasing blocks of time before transplanting them outdoors. Wait until overnight temperatures stay above 40 degrees Fahrenheit to move bells of Ireland to the garden.

During the growing season, bells of Ireland require about an inch of rainfall per week. If your rain gauge falls short, water the plants yourself to make up the difference. Soil for bells of Ireland should be kept evenly moist but not overly saturated. A drip or trickle irrigation system that gently adds water to soil is best, but if you use overhead sprinklers, simply water early in the day so the plants can dry before nightfall to prevent disease.

Imagine my surprise when, upon a recent visit to Israel, I saw Irish bells growing half way between Jerusalem and the Mediterranean Sea, outside the village of Luzit, in an open field, in fast-draining soil, where the amount of annual rainfall is not much different from the 12 or so annual inches experienced here. Never bothering to read the fine print, I had assumed that bells of Ireland was Irish. Little did I know that it is actually indigenous to the Middle East and Southwest Asia, to Syria and Turkey. It has no problem with long, hot and arid summers, just the kind we are used to in this part of the world.

Growing bells of Ireland: Grow bells of Ireland in full sun or partial shade in an average garden loam with good drainage. They can be sown outdoors in spring as soon as the ground can be worked. Space them 12 inches apart. To prevent their toppling, plant them in areas protected from high wind; they may also be staked. They mature fairly rapidly and do not rebloom. For a longer show, start plants at different intervals. They reseed themselves readily. After maturity, plants are not especially attractive, so they should be planted where the residual foliage is out of sight. 041b061a72