About Moluccella laevis L.
Moluccella laevis, commonly called 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 flower spikes, and in the language of flowers it represents luck. The tiny white blooms are surrounded by persistent apple-green calyces, and it has pale green rounded leaves. This fast-growing plant has an erect, branching habit, reaching 1 metre (3.28 feet) tall and spreading 30 centimeters (11.8 inches) wide. As a member of the mint family, its blooming stems can be cut for use in fresh or dried flower arrangements. Cultivated M. laevis is self-seeding. It prefers full sun and regular water, and rarely grows well in hot, humid climates.
