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. Suggested uses include culinary herb and ornamental. It is native to Southern Europe.
About
Fennel is a flowering plant species in the carrot family. It is a hardy, perennial herb with yellow flowers and feathery leaves.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Fennel
About the genus
Foeniculum is a genus of flowering plants in the carrot family. It includes the commonly cultivated fennel, Foeniculum vulgare.Species:Foeniculum vulgare Mill. - Mediterranean, cultivated and naturalized in many regions Foeniculum scoparium Quézel - North Africa Foeniculum subinodorum Maire, Weiller & Wilczek - North Africa Foeniculum piperitum (Ucria) C.Presl - Mediterranean, Macaronesia Foeniculum sanguineum Triano & A.Pujadas - Morocco, Spain
Wikipedia contributors, "Foeniculum", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Foeniculum
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
- Culinary herb, Ornamental
- Native to
- Southern Europe
- Fragrance
- Anise-like, aromatic
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Foeniculum vulgare 'Purpureum'
- Cultivation
- Grow in full sun with well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established; avoid waterlogging
- Pruning
- Cut back in early spring to encourage fresh growth; remove flower heads to prevent self-seeding
- Propagation
- Seed, Division
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Foeniculum vulgare 'Purpureum'?
Grow in full sun with well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established; avoid waterlogging.
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 in early spring to encourage fresh growth; remove flower heads 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 an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Foeniculum vulgare 'Purpureum'?
Seed, Division.
More in the Foeniculum genus
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