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Herbaceous Perennial

Ferula communis
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

giant fennel

A robust perennial with large leaves divided into many slender segments, and branched stems bearing many rounded umbels of small yellow flowers in early summer

Other common names
meeting seed
Synonyms
Ferula communis 'Gigantea'

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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Yellow Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H3
Botanical details
Family
Apiaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright
Genus

Ferula are striking, large tap-rooted herbaceous perennials with big, pinnately divided leaves and compound umbels of small white, yellow or purple flowers; may die after flowering

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Mediterranean

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun; protect with a dry, bracken mulch in winter. May die after seeding.

Propagation

Propagate by seed in pots in a cold frame as soon as seed is ripe. Prick out seedlings into deep pots to allow tap root to develop

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Architectural
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

To enhance foliage, remove flowering stems as soon as they appear or after blooming if seed is not required

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids and slugs

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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