Overview
Foeniculum vulgare 'Purpureum' is a bushy, clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Foeniculum, part of the Apiaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 1.5-2.5 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Foeniculum vulgare 'Purpureum' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. It is attractive to pollinators. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, coastal, cottage and informal garden, gravel garden, mediterranean climate plants, patio and container plants and wildlife gardens.
About
Foeniculum vulgare 'Purpureum' is a perennial plant that grows upright and forms clumps, reaching heights of up to 1.8 meters. Its leaves are finely divided and aromatic, displaying a bronze-purple hue in their youth before maturing to a dark grey-green. In the summer, this variety produces small, flat yellow flowerheads on elongated stems, which are succeeded by brown fruits. Both the foliage and the seeds emit a scent reminiscent of anise.
About the genus
Foeniculum is a sizable biennial or perennial plant characterized by its fragrant, finely divided leaves. It produces clusters of small yellow flowers, which are succeeded by aromatic fruits.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Foeniculum
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing, South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Foeniculum vulgare 'Purpureum' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Bushy, Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens
- Fragrance
- Foliage, Fruit
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Foeniculum vulgare 'Purpureum'
- 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
- Pruning
- Cut back dead stems in autumn or winter. Remove faded flowers to prevent self-seeding
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to aphids and slugs
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to Powdery mildews
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Foeniculum vulgare 'Purpureum'?
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.
Where is the best place to plant Foeniculum vulgare 'Purpureum'?
Foeniculum vulgare 'Purpureum' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Foeniculum vulgare 'Purpureum' need?
Foeniculum vulgare 'Purpureum' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Foeniculum vulgare 'Purpureum'?
Cut back dead stems in autumn or winter. Remove faded flowers to prevent self-seeding.
How big does Foeniculum vulgare 'Purpureum' grow?
Foeniculum vulgare 'Purpureum' reaches a height of 1.5-2.5 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Foeniculum vulgare 'Purpureum' hardy in the UK?
Foeniculum vulgare 'Purpureum' has a UK hardiness rating of H5.
How do I propagate Foeniculum vulgare 'Purpureum'?
Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds.
Is Foeniculum vulgare 'Purpureum' good for pollinators?
Yes — Foeniculum vulgare 'Purpureum' attracts and supports pollinators such as bees and other beneficial insects.