General Description/History

Molucella is commonly called ‘Molucca Balm’ in Australia and ‘Bells of Ireland’ overseas. Whatever you call it there is little possibility you will mistake it for something else because nothing looks anything like it. Flower spikes are made up of tightly-packed pale to olive-green cups or inverted bells with thin white veins running through them. Open flowers often show distinctive flecks of white pollen. Stems are hollow and strong.

Molucella is grown in the field. Supplies come mostly from Victoria, NSW and Qld.

What to look for

• Buy when the bells are open and contain white flecks of pollen;
• Avoid bunches with yellow bells.

Flower Care

1. Keep cool at all times.
2. Strip leaves from the lower half of each stem and wash stem ends thoroughly.
3. Recut at least 2 cm off each stem and place in water immediately.
4. Always use a preservative as this will help buds to open and maintain open flowers.
5. Replace vase water with fresh preservative every day.

Botanical Name: Molucella laevis

Common Names: Bells of Ireland, Molucca Balm

Stem Length: 30 to 70 cm

Country of Origin: Eastern Mediterranean

Available Colours: Green

Season: Winter,Spring

Availability: June,July,August,September,October,November