Bells of Ireland (shell flower) Moluccella laevis
Bells of Ireland (shell flower) (Moluccella laevis) is an annual flowering plant in the Lamiaceae family, native to Turkey, Syria and the Caucasus. It grows 60–90 cm (24–35 in) tall and 20–30 cm (8–12 in) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -2 °C (28 °F). Space plants about 25 cm (10 in) apart.
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Bells of Ireland (shell flower) at a glance
| Type | Annual flowering plant |
|---|---|
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Mature height | 60–90 cm (24–35 in) |
| Mature spread | 20–30 cm (8–12 in) |
| Spacing | 25 cm (10 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -2 °C (28 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Flowering | about 12–16 weeks after planting, for 5–8 weeks |
| Days to maturity | About 120 days from planting |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Turkey, Syria and the Caucasus |
| Common in gardens of | 🇹🇷 Turkey, 🇮🇱 Israel, 🇮🇷 Iran, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇮🇪 Ireland, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇳🇱 Netherlands |
Is Bells of Ireland (shell flower) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not known to be poisonous.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Bells of Ireland (shell flower)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Bells of Ireland (shell flower)
- How far apart should I plant Bells of Ireland (shell flower)?
- About 25 cm (10 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 20–30 cm (8–12 in).
- Does Bells of Ireland (shell flower) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Bells of Ireland (shell flower) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Bells of Ireland (shell flower)?
- It tolerates about -2 °C (28 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9. As an annual it is usually planted out after the last frost.
- When does Bells of Ireland (shell flower) flower?
- About 12–16 weeks after planting, for 5–8 weeks.
- Is Bells of Ireland (shell flower) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not known to be poisonous.
- What grows well with Bells of Ireland (shell flower)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Bells of Ireland (shell flower). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- RHS Find a Plant (plant profiles and growing guides), Royal Horticultural Society
Notes and assumptions
- A half-hardy annual in cool climates: sow under glass in spring and plant out after the last frost.
- A cutting-patch flower: picking the stems often keeps new ones coming.
- Not from Ireland at all. Stems are stacked with apple-green, bell-shaped calyces around tiny white flowers; they keep their shape when dried, fading to straw. Seed germinates better after a chill.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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