Bells of Ireland Plant Care

Bells of Ireland (Moluccella laevis) belongs to the Lamiaceae family within the Moluccella genus. Bells of Ireland is native to Turkey, Syria and the Caucasus. Bells of Ireland is also known as Shellflower, Irish Bells.

Bells of Ireland displays an upright, branching shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Bells of Ireland produces small, tubular green flowers with leafy bracts.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Bells of Ireland every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Bells of Ireland thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Moluccella laevis tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Bells of Ireland prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Bells of Ireland to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Bells of Ireland every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Bells of Ireland is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Bells of Ireland can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Bells of Ireland while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Bells of Ireland is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Bells of Ireland can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Bells of Ireland is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Bells of Ireland grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Bells of Ireland is native to Turkey, Syria and the Caucasus. In cooler regions, grow Bells of Ireland as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.