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Scientific Name:Molucella laevis:
Common Name: Bells of Ireland.
Originally from Syria and the Eastern Mediterranean, it is a hardy annual with pale green bell shaped calyx formed along green stems. The bells are borne, densely packed, up and down the tall, strong stems. The flowers are small and white within the green bell shaped calyces which are the attraction for flower arranging. Height 24-36 inches.The plants are best grown in light sandy soils in a sunny, open position. It flowers in Spring, summer and autumn.

We are absolutely delighted to offer you below, more information about Bells of Ireland for your further interest and four books we have sourced for indepth reading on foliages for the florist and the gardener.
For the complete list of all the information and exclusive products from floralartmall.com click here

Bells of Ireland are prized both as a fresh plant and when dried.It provides spikes up to 60 cm (2 feet) long which is ideal as outlinematerial for larger arrangements.
The smaller side spikes are equally useful for smaller designs.

If you have grown this wonderful plant, cut the fresh stems when they have reached their maximum development. Take off the foliage and lower calyces and stand them in water for at least 5 hours in a cool room away from the sun.

The stems are hollow and you can carefully insert a wire up this hollow stem to give the spikes support. With care you can also use the wire to bend the spikes slightly into a curved shape.
They like a lot of water so keep them well supplied.

The Bells of Ireland I have used dried naturally in floral foam with no water added.It was an accident as the foam was watered originally and then I left for 5 days. When I came home the foam was dry, the Bells were dried!
They can be airdried by hanging upside down, or stand them in a solution of glycerine. They do wilt so give them support for the first day.

Jean Ward of New Zealand used Bells of Ireland with calla and asiatic lilies and fronds in this design at Flora Floral in October 2002.

Below Elva Jamieson used them as outline material in this horizonatal design with carnations, aspidistra leaves, peacock feathers and stock.

More available here in December 2002 ezine on the other exhibits at Flora Flora.

**AND THOSE FABULOUS BOOKS WE MENTIONED**