Bring the Luck of the Irish to Your Garden

St. Patrick’s Day is a time for celebrating Irish heritage, and what better way to honor the holiday than by planting some greenery? While these plants may not bloom in March, they are all excellent choices to start growing on St. Patrick’s Day, bringing a touch of Irish charm to your garden throughout the season.

1. Bells of Ireland (Moluccella laevis)

Bells of Ireland are a classic choice for St. Patrick’s Day due to their vibrant green, bell-shaped calyxes that symbolize good luck. Native to the Mediterranean, these annuals thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. Their tall, elegant stems make them excellent for cut flower arrangements, bringing a touch of Irish charm indoors. Despite their name, Bells of Ireland aren’t actually from Ireland, but their striking green hue makes them a fitting tribute to the holiday.

• Type: Annual
• Flower Color: Green (calyx), small white flowers inside
• Height: 24-36 inches
• Plant Spacing: 12-18 inches
• Zones: Best grown as an annual, suitable for USDA zones 2-11
• Light Requirements: Full sun
• Master Gardener Tip: Start seeds indoors several weeks before the last frost to get a jump on the growing season.

2. Shamrock Plant (Oxalis)

Note: Some species of Oxalis are considered weeds, particularly in lawns and gardens where they spread aggressively. When planting, choose non-invasive varieties such as Oxalis triangularis or Oxalis deppei to prevent unwanted spreading. No plant is more closely associated with St. Patrick’s Day than the shamrock. The Oxalis genus includes several species that resemble the iconic three-leaf clover, a symbol of good fortune and Irish culture. Some varieties even feature delicate white or pink flowers that bloom in early spring. These easy-to-care-for plants can be grown indoors as houseplants or outdoors in mild climates, making them a versatile addition to any green-thumbed celebration.

• Type: Perennial (often grown as an indoor houseplant)
• Flower Color: White, pink, or yellow (depending on variety)
• Height: 6-12 inches
• Plant Spacing: 6-12 inches
• Zones: USDA zones 6-11
• Light Requirements: Partial shade to full sun
• Master Gardener Tip: Avoid overwatering, as Oxalis bulbs can rot if kept too wet.

3. Irish Moss (Sagina subulata)

For a carpet of lush greenery, Irish Moss is a fantastic choice. This low-growing perennial forms a dense, moss-like mat that thrives in cool, moist environments. It’s perfect for filling in spaces between stepping stones or as a charming ground cover in rock gardens. In the spring, Irish Moss produces tiny white flowers that add a delicate touch to its rich green foliage, making it a lovely nod to St. Patrick’s Day.

• Type: Perennial ground cover
• Flower Color: Small white flowers
• Height: 1-2 inches
• Plant Spacing: 6-12 inches
• Zones: USDA zones 4-8
• Light Requirements: Partial shade to full sun
• Master Gardener Tip: Keep the soil moist but well-drained to prevent it from drying out in hot weather.

4. Clover (Trifolium)

While the shamrock is a type of clover, there are many other varieties that can bring a festive spirit to your garden. Red and white clover are both popular choices, and they’re excellent for improving soil health thanks to their nitrogen-fixing properties. Clover attracts pollinators and provides a lush, low-maintenance ground cover, making it a great addition to eco-friendly gardens. And, of course, if you happen to find a rare four-leaf clover, it’s said to bring extra luck!

• Type: Perennial (some varieties annual)
• Flower Color: White, pink, or red
• Height: 4-12 inches
• Plant Spacing: 6-12 inches
• Zones: USDA zones 3-10
• Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
• Master Gardener Tip: Mow clover regularly to encourage low, dense growth and prevent it from overtaking other plants.

5. Green Hellebores (Helleborus viridis)

Hellebores, also known as Lenten roses, bloom in late winter to early spring, making them a timely choice for St. Patrick’s Day gardens. Green varieties of Helleborus viridis produce stunning, cup-shaped flowers in shades of green that complement the holiday’s theme. These perennials thrive in partial shade and well-drained soil, providing year-round beauty with their evergreen foliage.

• Type: Perennial
• Flower Color: Green
• Height: 12-24 inches
• Plant Spacing: 18-24 inches
• Zones: USDA zones 4-9
• Light Requirements: Partial shade
• Master Gardener Tip: Wear gloves when handling hellebores, as their sap can be an irritant to sensitive skin.

Plant These on St. Patrick’s Day!

While these plants may not be in bloom in March, St. Patrick’s Day is the perfect time to plant them in your garden and watch them thrive throughout the growing season. Whether you choose the striking Bells of Ireland, the lucky shamrock, or the lush carpet of Irish Moss, these plants will infuse your garden with the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day.

Looking for gardening gifts or supplies to celebrate the season? Check out our collection of unique gardening gifts to find the perfect addition to your garden!

Happy St. Patrick’s Day and happy gardening!