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Bells of Ireland Growing Zone

Bells of Ireland, Moluccella laevis, makes an interesting plant for the middle to the back of the border and for cut-flower arrangements. Also called shell flower, this half-hardy annual grows up to 3 feet tall with stalks of green, funnel-shaped clusters that hide tiny, white flowers.
  1. Annual

    • Bells of Ireland is an annual plant that grows from seed, flowers and dies within a single season. They may live longer in southern climates, but their expected lifetime is a single season. Bells of Ireland grows in United States Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 2-10.

    Half-Hardy

    • Half-hardy Bells of Ireland need a longer growing season than hardy annuals. They prefer cool but not freezing weather. As half-hardy annuals, they will die if subjected to cold temperatures. In northern zones 2-6, they should be planted indoors early and then transplanted outside after the last frost.

    Planting

    • Northern gardeners should plant Bells of Ireland in full sun. Further south, the plants will do better with partial or light shade. They prefer the cooler northern growing zones but can tolerate the heat in southern zones given shade and sufficient moisture.