Always a standout among garden plants, bells of Ireland sports green, bell-shaped calyxes on long, stringy stems. What looks like the flowers are the showy calyxes; the true flowers are tiny, white, and often fragrant. Bells of Ireland also makes a stunning accent plant in a mixed border or in a container garden. Contrary to its name, the plant is not native to Ireland but to Turkey, Syria, and the Caucasus Mountains.
Bells of Ireland are used in fresh and dried arrangements. For fresh arrangements, cut the stems when half of the calyxes have opened. For dried arrangements, wait until all the calyxes have opened before cutting.
Bells of Ireland Overview
Where to Plant Bells of Ireland
Bells of Ireland can be planted in any sunny spot with good drainage and slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soil. The plants grow in a wide zone range but do best in dry, cool climates. In windy sites, tall spikes may need staking when they are still young.
Combine the plants with other colorful annual flowers in the border or cutting bed. They also do well in containers.
How and When to Plant Bells of Ireland
Bells of Ireland is planted in the spring. It has a tap root that does not like to be disturbed so planting it from seed right in the garden is best. To aid germination, bells of Ireland needs stratification for at least 2 weeks at 40 degrees F. This can be easily accomplished by sowing seeds directly into the garden a few weeks before the last frost date in your area. In climates with mild winters, sow seeds in the fall.
Sow seeds 12 inches apart and only cover them very lightly with no more than ¼ inch of fine soil, they need light to germinate. Firm the soil lightly with your hand. Water immediately and keep the soil evenly moist. The seedlings will emerge in 7 to 14 days.
Bells of Ireland Care Tips
Other than providing the plans with sufficient moisture and possibly staking them, bells of Ireland does not need a lot of care.
Light
The planting site should be in full sun. Too much shade will cause the plants to flop, which might happen even to tall plants in a sunny location.
Soil and Water
The plant needs well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 to 7.5.
The soil should remain evenly moist at all times so water accordingly in the absence of rain, taking care not to overwater the plant. Bells of Ireland cannot tolerate soggy soil or standing water.
Temperature and Humidity
This annual does best in regions with cool summer climates. Bells of Ireland does not do well in hot, humid regions.
Fertilizer
Ideally, bells of Ireland should be planted in soil with a generous amount of organic matter and compost, which makes fertilization unnecessary. However, in poor soil, you may need to feed the plants monthly with a complete balanced fertilizer to help the plant develop taller spikes and larger flowers. Potted bells of Ireland also needs fertilization about once a month as the nutrients wash out rapidly. For application rates, follow product label instructions.
Pruning
It is not essential to prune bells of Ireland but you can cut out spent flower spikes to encourage new growth. When you prune them or cut stems for a vase, wear gloves to protect yourself from the sharp thorns.
Potting and Repotting Bells of Ireland
Bells of Ireland make good container plants, as long as the pots have large drainage holes and you use well-draining potting mix. Potted plants need more frequent watering than plants in garden soil so adjust your watering schedule accordingly.
Pests and Problems
Bells of Ireland has few disease problems, but it can get Cercospora leaf blight and crown rot, both of which can spread to other plants. Remove infected plants promptly.
Insects that feed on bells of Ireland include aphids and spider mites.
How to Propagate Bells of Ireland
Bells of Ireland is propagated from seed sown directly in the garden as described above. You can collect the seeds from your plants and store them in a cool, dry place for next year's planting.
Types of Bells of Ireland
'Pixie Bells'
The only known cultivar of bells of Ireland is popular for its erect growth habit with stems that do not flop after a rainfall. The plant has small spires and reaches 20 to 24 inches in height and 10 inches in spread.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is bells of Ireland cut and come again?No, if you plan to use bells of Ireland in flower arrangements, sow a generous amount as this plant will not bloom again once it has been cut. Consider leaving some plants with spent flowers in the garden to facilitate reseeding.
No, if you plan to use bells of Ireland in flower arrangements, sow a generous amount as this plant will not bloom again once it has been cut. Consider leaving some plants with spent flowers in the garden to facilitate reseeding.
- How long do bells of Ireland last in a vase?Bells of Ireland lasts for a long time after being cut. Its beautiful green calyxes also dry extremely well; if left on the plant, they turn a light beige.
Bells of Ireland lasts for a long time after being cut. Its beautiful green calyxes also dry extremely well; if left on the plant, they turn a light beige.