Bronze Fennel
Bronze fennel is a fast-growing, self-sowing herb grown for its bronze, feathery foliage. It is a great background or filler plant for other plants in the landscape.
Since it is an annual plant, individual bronze fennel plants die at the end of the growing season. Seeds from the previous year's flowers germinate each spring, producing billowing, green and purple leaves.
In summer, flat-topped clusters of dull yellow flowers appear. Although not spectacular in appearance, the flowers attract beneficial insects.
It can be used as a culinary herb and serves as a food source for the caterpillars of swallowtail butterflies.
Bronze Fennel
Bronze fennel is a fast-growing, self-sowing herb grown for its bronze, feathery foliage. It is a great background or filler plant for other plants in the landscape.
Since it is an annual plant, individual bronze fennel plants die at the end of the growing season. Seeds from the previous year's flowers germinate each spring, producing billowing, green and purple leaves.
In summer, flat-topped clusters of dull yellow flowers appear. Although not spectacular in appearance, the flowers attract beneficial insects.
It can be used as a culinary herb and serves as a food source for the caterpillars of swallowtail butterflies.
Plant details
Botanic Name
Foeniculum vulgare 'Purpureum'
Pronunciation
fen-IK-yoo-lum vul-GAIR-ee
Mature Height
3 to 4 ft.
Mature Spread
2 to 3 ft.
Water usage
One Droplet: Water twice per month or less, once established.
Two Droplets: Water about once per week, once established.
Three Droplets: Water about twice per week, once established.
Flower Color
yellow
Bloom time
July
Natural Habitat
species is native to mediterranean
Light Requirements
sun
Cold Hardiness
NA
Elevation Limit
NA
Performance
Bronze fennel is a beautiful plant growing in the Herb Garden of the Water Wise Demonstration Garden. It germinates from seed every year. We weed out seedlings that germinate in areas where they are not desired.
Maintenance
Flowers can be removed as they develop to delay flowering. This practice will help the leaves remain attractive longer. Remove dead plants at the end of the growing season.