Overview
Moluccella laevis 'Pixie Bells' is a bushy annual biennial in the genus Moluccella, part of the Lamiaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Moluccella laevis 'Pixie Bells' grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include flower borders and beds, patio and container plants, cottage and informal garden, city and courtyard gardens and coastal.
About
Moluccella laevis, the Bells-of-Ireland, Bells of Ireland, Molucca balmis, shellflower or shell flower, is a summer flowering annual, native to Turkey, Syria and the Caucasus. It is cultivated for its spikes of flowers.
About the genus
Moluccella is a genus of annual and short-lived perennial plants native to Central + southwestern Asia and the Mediterranean. They are tall, upright, branched plants to 1 metre or more with toothed leaves and small white fragrant flowers.SpeciesMoluccella aucheri (Boiss.) Scheen - Iran, Pakistan Moluccella bucharica (B.Fedtsch.) Ryding - Tajikistan Moluccella fedtschenkoana (Kudr.) Ryding - Tajikistan Moluccella laevis L. - Bells of Ireland - Turkmenistan, Iran, Iraq, Caucasus, Cyprus, Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, Turkey; naturalized in scattered locations in Europe, Africa, and North America Moluccella olgae (Regel) Ryding - Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan Moluccella otostegioides Prain - Pakistan Moluccella sogdiana (Kudr.) Ryding - Tajikistan Moluccella spinosa L. - Mediterranean from Spain + Algeria to Turkey + Palestine
Wikipedia contributors, "Moluccella", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Moluccella
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Moluccella
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing or West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Moluccella laevis 'Pixie Bells' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Annual Biennial
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Flower borders and beds, Patio and container plants, Cottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Moluccella laevis 'Pixie Bells'
- Propagation
- Seed
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Moluccella laevis 'Pixie Bells'?
Moluccella laevis 'Pixie Bells' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Moluccella laevis 'Pixie Bells' need?
Moluccella laevis 'Pixie Bells' grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Moluccella laevis 'Pixie Bells' hardy in the UK?
Moluccella laevis 'Pixie Bells' has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Moluccella laevis 'Pixie Bells'?
Seed.