• half hardy annual
• unusual and fun
• easy
• great filler for flower arrangements
• good dried flower
• textural, architectural
• seed benefits from stratification
• seed in March to April
• plant out in late April, early May
• or seed directly into garden
• requires average moist loam soil
• origin is Asia not Ireland

If you are looking for a fun addition to the mixed flower border or enjoy floristry as I do, this annual is a versatile and useful plant to grow. The stems when mature can be up to three feet tall and packed with flowers for the length. The tiny flowers are actually set inside the large emerald green calyx which forms the bell. The green colour of this plant is probably where the common name came from. They are also known as Shell Flowers. The plant has a distinctive pleasant scent when mature.

Cut and hung upside down to dry, the stems make good additions to winter dried flower arrangements. The fresh stems are a wonderful addition to large arrangements or used as a single stem in something more contemporary looking. The textural architectural appearance of the stem is very distinctive

As a half hardy annual these plants can be set out fairly early in spring once nighttime temperatures are above 4C. Stratification will assist with germination and seeds can be started in March.