Foeniculum vulgare 'Purpureum'
bronze fennel
Upright, clump-forming perennial plantto 1.8m tall, with finely divided aromatic foliage which is purple when young, later dark grey-green; flat flowerheads of tiny yellow flowers on tall stems appear in summer; both leaves and fruits are aniseed scented
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Bronze Purple | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow | Grey Silver Green | ||
| Autumn | Green Brown | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Apiaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy, Clump forming
- Genus
Foeniculum is a large biennial or perennial with aromatic, finely dissected leaves and umbels of small yellow flowers, followed by aromatic fruits
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moist but well-drained, fertile soil. May have the potential to become a nuisance if not managed well. See fennel cultivation for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by seed (sown indoors) or alternatively propagate from seed (sown outdoors) in situ. Plants readily self-seed once established
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Gravel garden
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Patio and container plants
- Wildlife gardens
- Flower borders and beds
- Cut flowers
Pruning
Cut back dead stems in autumn or winter. Remove faded flowers to prevent self-seeding
Pests
Diseases
May be susceptible to Powdery mildews
Get involved
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