Known mostly as fragrant cut bloom , these annuals are also an centre - catching accession to a garden seam .
Always a standout among garden plants , bells of Ireland sports green , Alexander Bell - shaped calyxes on retentive , stringy bow . What looks like the flowers are the showy calyxes ; the true peak are tiny , blank , and often fragrant . bell of Ireland also get a sensational 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 .
bell of Ireland are used in fresh and dried arrangements . For fresh arrangements , cut the root word when half of the calyxes have afford . For dry out arrangements , hold off until all the calyxes have opened before cut .
Where to Plant Bells of Ireland
Bells of Ireland can be planted in any cheery spot with skillful drainage and slightly acidulent to slightly alkaline soil . The plants grow in a wide zone range of mountains but do good in dry , coolheaded climate . In verbose sites , tall spikes may need staking when they are still unseasoned .
Combine the plants with other colorful annual prime in the border or cutting bed . They also do well in container .
How and When to Plant Bells of Ireland
Bells of Ireland is planted in the spring . It has a tap root that does not care to be disturbed so plant it from come right in the garden is best . To help sprouting , ship’s bell of Ireland needsstratificationfor at least 2 weeks at 40 degrees F. This can be easily accomplished by sow seeds straightaway into the garden a few weeks before the last Robert Lee Frost date in your orbit . In climates with mild wintertime , seed seeds in the fall .
Sow seed 12 inches apart and only cover them very gently with no more than ¼ inch of fine grime , they need brightness level to burgeon forth . Firm the grease lightly with your manus . Water immediately and keep the soil evenly moist . The seedling will emerge in 7 to 14 sidereal day .
Bells of Ireland Care Tips
Other than providing the plans with sufficient moisture and mayhap staking them , bells of Ireland does not call for a lot of care .
Light
The planting site should be infull sun . Too much spectre will cause the plants to flop , which might happen even to tall industrial plant in a cheery location .
Soil and Water
The plant life needs well - drained soil with apH between 6.0 to 7.5 .
The soil should remain evenly moist at all times so water consequently in the absence of pelting , taking care not to overwater the plant . Bells of Ireland can not tolerate soggy dirt or standing water supply .
Temperature and Humidity
This yearly does best in regions with cool summer climates . Bells of Ireland does not do well in red-hot , humid regions .
Fertilizer
Ideally , bells of Ireland should be planted in soil with a generous amount of constitutive matter and compost , which makes fecundation unnecessary . However , in poor soil , you may involve to launch the plant monthly with a stark balanced fertilizer to help the plant develop taller spikes and larger flowers . Potted bell of Ireland also needs fertilization about once a month as the nutrients lave out quickly . For software rate , follow product recording label instructions .
Pruning
It is not essential to cut back bells of Ireland but you may cut out spend peak spike to encourage young growth . When you prune them or tailor stem for a vase , wear off boxing glove to protect yourself from the sharp thorns .
Potting and Repotting Bells of Ireland
bell of Ireland make safe container plants , as long as the locoweed have large drainage holes and you practice well - drain potting mix . Potted flora need more frequent lachrymation than works 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 putrefaction , both of which can disseminate to other industrial plant . take away infected plants promptly .
Insects that feed on bells of Ireland includeaphidsand spider mites .
How to Propagate Bells of Ireland
Alexander Graham Bell of Ireland is propagated from ejaculate sow like a shot in the garden as described above . you’re able to collect the cum from your plant and store them in a nerveless , dry place for next year ’s planting .
Types of Bells of Ireland
‘Pixie Bells’
The only known cultivar of chime of Ireland is popular for its erect growth riding habit with stems that do not fall flat after a rain . The flora has small-scale spire and reaches 20 to 24 column inch in superlative and 10 inches in spread .
Frequently Asked Questions
No , if you design to use Bell of Ireland in flower arrangements , sow a generous amount as this plant will not bloom again once it has been cut . view get out some plants with spent flowers in the garden to facilitate reseeding .
bell shape of Ireland endure for a long clip after being trend . Its beautiful green calyxes also dry extremely well ; if left on the industrial plant , they turn a light beige .
Updated by Nadia Hassani
