Molucella laevis Pixie Bells

Molucella laevis 'Pixie Bells' is a variety of Molucella, also known as Molucca Balm, selected for its very dense, apple green flower spikes. Its bell-shaped flowers cluster tightly on tall floral stems emerging from aromatic foliage. This annual plant, dressed in green, was once a symbol of good fortune. It is appreciated 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.

The 'Pixie Bells' Molucella is an award-winning horticultural selection in England by the R.H.S for its ornamental qualities and performance in the garden. The typical Molucella laevis is an herbaceous annual or biennial plant of the mint family, related to mints and salvias. Contrary to its name of Molucca Balm, it is native to Turkey, Syria, and the Caucasus, and is found in the Mediterranean region. In the wild, it is found in forests, scrub vegetation, and semi-steppe regions. While it appreciates humus-bearing soils (rich in leaf compost), the molucella is not demanding in terms of the soil it grows in, as long as it is well-drained and not waterlogged. Its name "Irish Bells" probably comes from its very green colour.

With rapid growth, the Molucella laevis 'Pixie Bells' forms a upright and branching clump within a few months, reaching a height of 70-80cm in flower with a spread of 30cm. Its hollow stems are adorned with aromatic, rounded and plicate leaves with scalloped edges, resembling those of common balm. They display different shades of green, ranging from acidic green to leaf 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. Curious flowers composed of a campanulate, pale green calyx with tiny white to pinkish spikes emerge from multiple, very upright floral stems, surrounded by small leaves and pairs of small thorns. These 3cm wide calyxes, bell-shaped and tightly packed, are the highlight of the flowering: very durable, they slowly change from apple green to pale beige, sometimes with purple spots. Very visited by pollinating insects, the strangely scented flowers produce small black, triangular seeds that can self-seed and germinate in spring or autumn in mild climates, in light soils.

The 'Pixie Bells' Molucella is a plant whose light appearance and lovely green colour enhance all neighboring plants, such as Lady's Mantle (Alchemilla mollis) and spurges. Easy to combine with many perennials, it is the queen of English or cottage gardens and romantic borders. For example, associate it with foxgloves, campanulas, and columbines in a moist, partial shade soil. In full sun and drier soil, it will accompany rose campions (Lychnis coronaria), bushy salvias, California poppies, or perennial salvias. It can also be sown with cornflowers, blue perennial flax, Centaureas, clary sage, or snapdragons to quickly create colourful displays. Its naturally upright habit makes it an ideal plant for adding verticality to flower pots. Cut flowers can be used in contemporary or more rustic-style bouquets. To dry them, pick the fully open floral stems and hang them upside down in a dry and well-ventilated room until the calyxes turn whitish.

Eco-friendly tip:

Like marigolds, Molucella laevis is a host plant for nematodes: it can be interesting to plant it near the vegetable garden to protect tomato crops, for example. It is also a good source of nectar for bees.