Overview
Foeniculum vulgare var. piperitum is a herb in the genus Foeniculum, part of the Apiaceae family. It typically grows around 1.5 m tall and 1 m wide. Foeniculum vulgare var. piperitum grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and 6.0-7.0 pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include culinary herb, medicinal herb and ornamental. It is native to Southern Europe and Mediterranean region.
About
A perennial herb in the Apiaceae with finely divided, feathery foliage and characteristic yellow flower umbels. Foeniculum vulgare var. piperitum has the aromatic leaves and seeds used in cooking. It is long-lived in suitable sites and produces terminal umbels of tiny yellow flowers. Flowering in the UK occurs from July to September.
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
In the garden
Foeniculum vulgare var. piperitum belongs to the carrot family (Apiaceae) and sits in the genus Foeniculum. It originates from the shores of the Mediterranean and has become widely naturalised in many regions, especially on dry soils close to the sea and along riverbanks. The plant is a perennial herb whose finely divided leaves and terminal umbels of tiny yellow flowers define its appearance. Where it performs best are sites that mirror its native habitat: free-draining, drier soils and places that are not persistently waterlogged. Give it space for its erect stems and umbels; the plant returns year to year once established. In the UK it flowers from July to September, setting the dry seed heads that are commonly harvested for culinary use. In a garden, fennel suits herb plots, sunny borders with good drainage and coastal situations where other plants might struggle with salt-laden air. Use the fresh fronds and later the dried seed heads in the kitchen, and leave some flowering umbels to ripen if you want to collect seed. The yellow umbels are the season marker and the seed heads that follow are the useful storeable crop.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Foeniculum
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil pH
- 6.0-7.0
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- Sunny
- Exposure
- Full sun
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Foeniculum vulgare var. piperitum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herb
- Height
- 1.5 m
- Spread
- 1 m
- Suggested uses
- Culinary herb, Medicinal herb, Ornamental
- Native to
- Southern Europe, Mediterranean region
- Fragrance
- Aromatic, Anise-like
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Foeniculum vulgare var. piperitum
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil, avoid waterlogging, tolerate drought once established
- Pruning
- Cut back after flowering to encourage fresh growth
- Propagation
- Seed, Division
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Foeniculum vulgare var. piperitum?
Prefers well-drained soil, avoid waterlogging, tolerate drought once established.
Where is the best place to plant Foeniculum vulgare var. piperitum?
Foeniculum vulgare var. piperitum prefers full sun. It suits full sun positions.
What soil does Foeniculum vulgare var. piperitum need?
Foeniculum vulgare var. piperitum is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It prefers 6.0-7.0 soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained to moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Foeniculum vulgare var. piperitum?
Cut back after flowering to encourage fresh growth.
How big does Foeniculum vulgare var. piperitum grow?
Foeniculum vulgare var. piperitum reaches a height of 1.5 m and a spread of 1 m.
Is Foeniculum vulgare var. piperitum hardy in the UK?
Foeniculum vulgare var. piperitum has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Foeniculum vulgare var. piperitum?
Seed, Division.