Last updated on May 20th, 2023 at 06:00 pm

Contrary to its name, this unique-looking flower is native to the Western Asian region around Syria, the Caucasus, and Turkey. 

The name originates from its bell-shaped floral spikes that populate the entire stem of the pant. But one cannot help but wonder about the meaning of the bells of Ireland flower. Why is Ireland here? It is so because of the floral spikes’ lively, emerald green color, which has come to represent the charm of the Emerald Isle (a popular moniker of Ireland) itself. 

The scientific name of this flower is Moluccella laevis, and it is also known as a shellflower. This variety is a summer-flowering annual type and belongs to the mint family (Lamiaceae) of flowers.

The bell-shaped structures are the calyx or protective leafing around tiny, white-colored flowers that are fragrant.

What does the Bells of Ireland flower symbolize?

The bells of Ireland’s flower meaning and symbolism are deeply rooted in history and have an intricate connection with culture and tradition. 

The rich green hue is reminiscent of the Celtic charm of the Emerald Isle and represents Irish charm and good luck. The blossoms also represent an abundance of wealth for some. 

This flower is also the favorite choice for bouquet arrangements on St. Patrick’s Day. Along with the shamrock, the bells of Ireland are the most widely used floral decoration to celebrate the patron saint of Ireland (St. Patrick), who brought Christianity to the island nation during the 4th century. The flower’s seeds are sown on the patron saint’s day to bring good fortune. 

Apart from good fortune, the bells of Ireland flower meaning and symbolism also include good health and good luck before embarking on a journey.

All in all, the bells of Ireland flower symbolic meanings are:

  • good luck
  • abundance of wealth
  • prosperity

Meaning of the Bells of Ireland flower colors

Green and white color

In the language of flowers, green and white colors have symbolic meanings that can be combined with or considered along with the primary symbolic meaning of the bells of Ireland flowers which are good luck and abundant wealth.

Interesting facts about the Bells of Ireland flower

  • Long before green-colored flower plants became fashionable among florists and enthusiasts, this endearing plant variety has been popular and widely cultivated since the 16th century. 
  • While they are called bells of Ireland in Europe and the U.S. They are known as Canterbury bells in Australia and New Zealand. 
  • In Belgium, these lovely flowers are used to make fragrant perfumes.
  • Another interesting feature of this plant variety is that deer and rabbits entirely avoid them. For this reason, these plants are grown as a protective outer layer around other plant varieties to prevent the latter from being consumed by wildlife.
  • Carl Linnaeus, the famous Swedish botanist, named the genus for this plant ‘Molucella laevis’ and is thought to have mistakenly named it because he believed they originated from the Molucca Islands, an archipelago situated east of Indonesia. 
  • Bells of Ireland plants are generally disease-resistant but are susceptible to Cercospora leaf blight. Due to this, they may develop yellowish halos on the bells. The affected portions must be pruned immediately to prevent the rest of the plant from getting infected. 
  • Bells of Ireland flowers can be easily dried, making them a valuable and attractive addition to fresh-cut flower decorations.
  • They also make great decorative foil for wine bottles. 

How to grow Bells of Ireland flowers

Bells of Ireland flowers are not suitable for cultivating in hot and humid climate zones. But they grow well in moderately cold climate zones where abundant sunlight is availableHow to take care of Bells of Ireland flowers

  1. Plant the bells of Ireland in average soils.
  2. Place the plant in a spot with full sunlight or partial shade. 
  3. Supply support. 
  4. Feed the plant monthly.
  5. Water the bells of Ireland regularly.

How to care for Bells of Ireland flowers

  1. Water the bells of Ireland frequently.
  2. Apply fertilizer monthly.
  3. Stake taller varieties.

Best time to gift Bells of Ireland flowers

The bells of Ireland flower meaning and symbolism will be complete with mentioning the best occasions to give it to your loved ones. As they represent charm and good luck, these wondrous flowers make wonderful gifts to newly-wed couples, those starting a new journey, and ones taking up a new job.

Conclusion

The spectacular spikes of bright-green calyces of bells of Ireland flowers are lovely to look at, and the fragrance of their blossoms is delightful to breathe in.

Planting them in your garden, sowing them indoors, or enjoying them in a cut flower arrangement can provide you with all the good luck they signify.

If you want to know and learn more about flowers, we at PansyMaiden can help you. Check out our fun, easy-to-read, and informative flower-related content that you will surely enjoy!