About
An upright, clump-forming perennial to 1.8m tall, with finely dissected aromatic foliage, bronze-purple when young then turning to dark grey-green. Small, flat, yellow flowerheads on tall stems appear in summer followed by brown fruits. Foliage and fruits are aniseed scented.
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
AspectWest-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy, Clump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens
FragranceFoliage, Fruit
Care notes
CultivationGrow 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
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