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Herbaceous PerennialSynonym

Foeniculum vulgare 'Rubrum'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

bronze fennel

An upright, clump-forming perennial to 1.8m tall, with finely divided aromatic foliage, bronze-purple when young then turning to dark grey-green. Small, flat, yellow flowerheads on tall stems appear in summer followed by brown fruits. Foliage and fruits are aniseed scented

Other common names
purple leaf fennel
Synonyms
Foeniculum vulgare 'Rubrum'
Foeniculum vulgare 'Bronze'

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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Bronze Purple
Summer Yellow Grey Silver Green
Autumn Green Brown
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

West–facing or South–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, fertile soil. 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
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Patio and container plants
  • 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

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