Moluccella laevis - seeds

Moluccella laevis or 'Bells of Ireland' gets its common name from the appearance of its flowers, which resemble beautiful almond-green bells, tightly packed on tall flowering stems emerging from aromatic foliage. This unusual, entirely almond-green annual, was widely planted in our grandparents' gardens, where it was a symbol of good luck. It is time to bring it back into the spotlight for its unique charm and ease of cultivation. It will grow in any good garden soil where it can self-seed, in full sun or partial shade. Its green flowers are long-lasting in fresh or dried bouquets.

Moluccella laevis is an annual or biennial herbaceous plant in the mint family, related to mint and sage. It is native to Turkey, Syria, and the Caucasus, and is found in Mediterranean forests, scrub vegetation, and semi-steppe regions. While it prefers humus-rich soil (rich in leaf compost), Moluccella is undemanding in terms of soil, as long as it is well-drained, and it is not water-hungry. Its name 'bells of Ireland' probably comes from its very green colour.

Bells of Ireland grows very rapidly to form a tall, branched clump, reaching 70-80 cm (28-32in) high when in flower, with a spread of 30 cm (12in). Its hollow stems are adorned with aromatic, rounded and pleated leaves with scalloped edges, resembling those of common balm. They display various shades of green ranging from almond-green to emerald green. Flowering occurs in spring or summer, depending on the climate and sowing date, from April to June in warmer regions or July-August further north. Among the small leaves and pairs of small spines, curious flowers composed of a bell-shaped, pale green calyx with a tiny spike of white to pinkish flowers in the centre emerge on multiple, very erect floral stems. These 3 cm (1in) diameter, tightly packed bell-shaped calyxes are the highlight of the flowering. They are very long-lasting and slowly change from apple green to pale beige, sometimes with purple spots. The curiously scented flowers are loved by pollinators and are followed by small, black, triangular seeds that can self-seed and germinate in spring or autumn in mild climates, in light soils.

'Bells of Ireland' is undeniably an original plant, with a delicate appearance and very green colour that enhances neighbouring plants, such as Alchemilla mollis and euphorbias. It is very easy to mix with many perennials and the queen of English or cottage gardens and romantic flower beds. You can pair it with foxgloves, bellflowers, and columbines in moist, partially shaded soil. In sunny and drier conditions, it will go with rose campions (Lychnis coronaria), shrubby salvias, California poppies, or perennial salvias. It can also be sown with love-in-a-mist, blue perennial flax, knapweeds, clary sage, or snapdragons to quickly create colourful displays. Its naturally upright habit makes it ideal for adding height to pots. Cut flowers can be used in contemporary or traditional bouquets. To dry them, cut the fully open floral stems and hang them upside down in a dry, well-ventilated room until the calyxes turn whitish.

Eco-friendly tip:

Like marigolds, Moluccella laevis is a host plant for nematodes: it can be useful planted near vegetable gardens to protect tomato crops, for example. It also provides a good source of nectar for bees.