About

An upright annual to 90cm tall, with bluntly toothed ovate leaves and, in late summer, long spikes of small, 2-lipped white or pale pink flowers, each held within a large, white-veined, pale green, bell-shaped calyx; good dried flower.

About the genus

Moluccella are erect annuals with opposite, scalloped, broadly ovate leaves and dense spikes of small 2-lipped flowers with large, bell-shaped calyces; useful for dried flower arrangement

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4

Plant details

Plant typeAnnual Biennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1 year
Suggested usesCoastal, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
Native toEurope Asia

Care notes

CultivationGrow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed at 13-18°C (55-64°F) in early or mid-spring, or in situ in late spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free