LivRio Magazine August 2024, powered by FloraLife

Belonging to the mint family, Lamiaceae, Bells of Ireland or Moluccella laevis, is an annual plant grown for its impressive spikes of green blooms. Like almost all other plants in the Lamiaceae family, Bells of Ireland have a square stem and are faintly aromatic.

Contrary to popular belief, the showy green bell-shaped structures that dominate the stems are not actually flowers but rather the calyx of the flower. The true flowers lay within the center of these, are white and look remarkably like little hooded people.

In the language of flowers, Bells of Ireland are said to represent good fortune, and as such, are often associated with St. Patrick’s Day and the luck of the Irish, especially since they are green. But these gorgeous stems are so much more than an Irish holiday flower.

In arrangements they provide height, and structure, and pair well with pastel blooms for the perfect cottage garden aesthetic. Alternatively, mix them with all white flowers for a clean, fresh look that any bride will love. Not only that, but Bells of Ireland are available year-round, and have a long vaselife, making them the ideal florist staple.

Care and Handling Information

Shipping & Storage

• Shipping and storage temperatures should be 34 – 38° F (1- 3° C).
• Bells of Ireland can ship dry or wet without issue as long as you avoid temperature fluctuations.

Re-hydration at Store Level

• Start processing with a clean bucket, sanitized with FloraLife® D.C.D.® Cleaner.
• If received dry packed, conditioning of stem ends is recommended to prevent blockage and promote uptake. Cut approximately 1” or more off stems. Use clean, sanitized clippers or knife, and treat with FloraLife® Quick Dip.
• Place flowers in a flower food holding solution such as FloraLife® Express 200. Do not put flowers directly in metal/galvanized buckets. Use clean, high-quality water that has not been treated with a water softener.
• Store in a cooler at 34 – 38° F with 75 – 85% relative humidity.
• Allow minimum 2 hours to hydrate placing buckets in an area with good airflow.  
• Always remember FIFO (first in/first out) when rotating Bells of Ireland or any other flowers.

Vase Care

• Remove all clusters that would be below the flower food solution level.
• If received dry, cut approximately 1” or more off stems. Use clean, sanitized clippers or knife, and treat with FloraLife^® Quick Dip.
• Immediately place flowers in properly dosed vase solutions (flower food and water) containing FloraLife Crystal Clear^® Flower Food (the perfect solution for clear vases), or FloraLife^® Express 300 Flower Food (the no-cut premium solution).

Special Considerations

• Bells of Ireland are highly sensitive to ethylene; exposure can lead to premature wilting and leaf yellowing. Bells of Ireland naturally produce high amounts of ethylene. Request that your supplier uses ethylene action-inhibitor products such as FloraLife® EthylGuard* at farm level and EthylBloc™ during storage and transport to safeguard Bells of Ireland against any exposure to ethylene.
• Extremely high relative humidity or temperature fluctuation during shipping should be avoided as condensation on sleeves can promote pathogen growth. Do not over pack buckets with bunches to allow enough breathing room between stems.
• Stems will get “slimy” if water isn’t changed often. Once stems reach this point the damage is irreversible.
• Stems of Bells of Ireland have sharp thorns, wearing gloves when handling stems will help avoid any cuts or scraps.
• Bells of Ireland are phototropic meaning they will move or grow toward the light. Avoid stems bending by storing away from side light. Choose dark cooler or overhead light for ideal storage conditions.

For more information, click here:

• https://floralife.com/article/bells-of-ireland-troubleshooting/
• https://floralife.com/flowers/bells-of-ireland/
• https://floralife.com/flower-library-for-retailers/