Cultivating and Nurturing Your Bells of Ireland: A Guide

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In the world of plant breeding, before green flowers became trendy, there was the bells of Ireland plant, which has been cultivated since the 1500s. These unique plants feature fragrant white flowers surrounded by apple-green calyxes on tall, square green stems. The green bell-shaped calyx is actually the outer sepals surrounding the tiny white flower petals inside.

Florists adore bells of Ireland for their availability and long lifespan, making them a popular choice for wedding bouquets and St. Patrick’s Day arrangements. Belonging to the Lamiaceae family, this plant is related to popular ornamental and culinary plants like sage, catmint, thyme, and lavender.

When planting bells of Ireland, it’s best to sow seeds in the spring either directly in the garden or indoors at least two months before the last frost. It typically takes 12 to 21 days for the seeds to sprout and another couple of months for them to mature into flowering plants.

Originating from regions in western Asia, bells of Ireland grow in all zones but struggle in hot and humid climates. Using shade cloth can help maintain plant vigor during the summer heat. Investing in plugs or young plants from a well-stocked nursery can be beneficial to test their growth in your area before committing to planting a larger patch the following season.

Due to their top-heavy nature, bells of Ireland may need staking, especially in areas prone to heavy rain or wind. While they don’t re-bloom, leaving them to scatter seeds and using the dried flower stalks in arrangements can add a unique touch to your garden decor.

The image displayed belongs to The Spruce and was captured by Evgeniya Vlasova.

Here are some tips for successfully growing and caring for Bells of Ireland plants:

Sunlight
For optimal growth, it is best to plant Bells of Ireland in full sun. The plants thrive with some morning sun exposure to prevent them from becoming too tall and floppy. If planted in shady areas, they will likely need support to prevent them from falling over.

Soil
Bells of Ireland prefer soil with a neutral pH that drains well and stays consistently moist. Mixing compost into the soil before planting seeds is beneficial for their growth.

Water
Keep the soil around Bells of Ireland plants consistently moist, especially during the seedling and transplant stages. Soaker hoses are a good option for watering without over-saturating the plants. Providing about 1 inch of water per week is ideal, and using mulch helps retain moisture in the soil.

Fertilizer
Generally, Bells of Ireland plants do not require much fertilizer if the soil is prepared with compost. However, in poor soil conditions, fertilizing may be necessary following the instructions on the label.

Types and Cultivation
Various cultivars of Bells of Ireland are available, with ‘Pixie Bells’ being a popular choice due to its sturdy stems. Propagation can be done by collecting and planting seeds from dried flower heads or by transplanting self-seeded volunteers.

Growing from Seed
Plant Bells of Ireland seeds directly in the garden after the last frost date or start them indoors for earlier blooms. Lightly cover the seeds as they need light to germinate. Cold stratification can improve germination rates by mimicking outdoor conditions.

Harvesting and Arranging
To dry Bells of Ireland for floral arrangements, cut the flowers when the bells are partially open for fresh bouquets and fully open for dried arrangements. Take care when handling the plants as they have small thorns that can cause injury.

Pests and Diseases
Be on the lookout for cerospora leaf blight and crown rot diseases, which can affect Bells of Ireland plants. Removal of infected plants is recommended to prevent the spread of disease. Additionally, keep an eye out for pests like aphids and spider mites.