About
A small, bulbous perennial from rocky, sandy, open habitats in southern California with narrow, glaucous basal leaves and a short, branched stem bearing small, cup-shaped, pale lilac to lavender-blue, mariposa lily flowers with a purple spot at the base of each petal in late spring. A delicate Calochortus for a sunny, very well-drained bulb frame.
About the genus
Foeniculum is a large biennial or perennial with aromatic, finely dissected leaves and umbels of small yellow flowers, followed by aromatic fruits
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbs - Culinary, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy, Clump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesGravel garden, Architectural, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Patio and container plants, Prairie planting, Wildlife gardens
Native toMediterranean
FragranceFoliage, Fruit
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moist but well-drained, fertile soil in full sun. May have the potential to become a nuisance if not managed well. See fennel cultivation for further advice
PruningNo pruning required. Remove spent flower heads to prevent self-seeding
PropagationPropagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids and slugs
Disease resistancePowdery mildews may occur