Overview
Ferula communis is a columnar upright herbaceous perennial in the genus Ferula, part of the Apiaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 2.5-4 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Ferula communis grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H3. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens, architectural, mediterranean climate plants and flower borders and beds. It is native to Albania, Algeria, Baleares, Canary Is., Corse, Cyprus, Djibouti, East Aegean Is., Eritrea, Ethiopia, France and Greece.
About
Ferula communis, the giant fennel, is a species of flowering plant in the carrot family Apiaceae. It is related to the common fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), which belongs to the same family. Ferula communis is a tall herbaceous perennial plant. It is found in Mediterranean and East African woodlands and shrublands. It is native to Albania, Algeria, Baleares, Canary Is., Corse and other regions. Mature plants reach roughly 2.5-4 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, carrying deciduous foliage. In the garden it prefers full sun and most soil types. It tolerates soil of any pH, well-drained conditions and south-facing, west-facing and east-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Ferula communis
About the genus
Ferula is a genus of about 220 species of flowering plants in the family Apiaceae, native to the Mediterranean region east to central Asia, mostly growing in arid climates. Many plants of this genus, especially F. communis, are referred to as "giant fennel", although they are not fennel in the strict sense.
Wikipedia contributors, "Ferula", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Ferula
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Ferula
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H3
Plant details
Ferula communis size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 2.5-4 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Architectural, Mediterranean climate plants, Flower borders and beds
- Native to
- Albania, Algeria, Baleares, Canary Is., Corse, Cyprus, Djibouti, East Aegean Is., Eritrea, Ethiopia, France, Greece
- Toxicity
- Toxic to livestock if ingested
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Ferula communis
- Propagation
- Seed
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, Slugs
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Ferula communis?
Ferula communis prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Ferula communis need?
Ferula communis is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How big does Ferula communis grow?
Ferula communis reaches a height of 2.5-4 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Ferula communis hardy in the UK?
Ferula communis has an RHS hardiness rating of H3, meaning it is half-hardy, tolerating -5 to 1°C, and may need winter protection in colder areas.
How do I propagate Ferula communis?
Seed.
Is Ferula communis toxic?
Toxic to livestock if ingested.
More in the Ferula genus
Browse all Ferula →
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