About
A tough, upright, aromatic biennial or short-lived perennial to 1.8m tall, with 3 to 4 pinnate copper-bronze to purple leaves composed of hair-like segments. Branching stems bear flat umbels of small yellow flowers in summer and green fruits in the autumn; both leaves and fruit are aniseed-scented when crushed.
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
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, Cottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Gravel garden, Prairie planting, Wildlife gardens
FragranceFoliage, Fruit
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moist but well-drained soil in fulll sun. May have the potential to become a nuisance if not managed well. See fennel cultivation for further advice
PruningCut back dead stems in autumn or winter. Remove faded flowers to prevent self-seeding
PropagationPropagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids and slugs
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to Powdery mildews