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Herbs - CulinaryHerbaceous PerennialSynonym

Ferula communis 'Giant Bronze'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

fennel 'Giant Bronze'

A robust, upright, aromatic biennial or short-lived perennial to 1.8m tall, with 3 to 4 pinnate copper-bronze to purple leaves composed of hair-like segments. Branching stems bear flat umbels of small yellow flowers in summer and green fruits in the autumn; both leaves and fruit are aniseed-scented when crushed

Synonyms
Ferula 'Giant Bronze'
Ferula communis 'Giant Bronze'
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Bronze Purple
Summer Yellow Bronze Purple
Autumn Bronze Purple Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Apiaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy, Clump forming
Genus

Foeniculum is a large biennial or perennial with aromatic, finely dissected leaves and umbels of small yellow flowers, followed by aromatic fruits

Name status

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moist but well-drained soil in fulll sun. May have the potential to become a nuisance if not managed well. See fennel cultivation for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds

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

Cut back dead stems in autumn or winter. Remove faded flowers to prevent self-seeding

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids and slugs

Diseases

May be susceptible to Powdery mildews

Get involved

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