Foeniculum vulgare ‘Rubrum’ (Bronze Fennel)

Often mistaken for dill, Foeniculum vulgare ‘Rubrum’ is an upright, branching perennial herb with feathery, finely divided, aromatic, bronze leaves and large, flat umbels of tiny golden yellow flowers, borne on tall hollow stems. Blooming in mid to late summer, the flowers are very attractive to butterflies and give way to aromatic, gray-brown seeds.

As an ornamental plant, Foeniculum vulgare is a stunning perennial, providing height and graceful airiness to the border. Anise-scented, all parts of this aromatic plant (foliage, seeds) also have a long history of cultivation for culinary purposes. Fennel seeds are baked into breads, biscuits, or Italian sausages. Stems can be grilled with fish, meats, and vegetables, and leaves can be added to salads or used as a garnish.

• Grows vigorously up to 2-3 ft. high (60-90 cm) and spreads 1-2 ft. (30-60 cm). While some seeding is helpful to replace older plants, this plant self-sows prolifically. Can be invasive if flowers are allowed to set seed. Remove spent flowering stems before the seed is produced to avoid any undesired self-seeding.
• Prefers rich, moist but well-drained soils in full sun. Drought tolerant.
• Attracts butterflies, birds, and beneficial insects, but is deer resistant.
• Easy to grow, Foeniculum vulgare is a welcomed addition to beds, borders, city gardens, coastal gardens, butterfly gardens, and cottage gardens. It is a popular plant for Mediterranean gardens and ideally suited to herb and vegetable gardens.
• May be grown from seed that is sown directly in the garden in spring. Flowering starts about 90 days from spring seeding.
• Generally disease resistant. Watch for aphids
• Native to the Mediterranean region, Foeniculum vulgare has escaped gardens and naturalized in many parts of North America.
• Find where Foeniculum vulgare species is invasive in the United States.
• Discover beautiful U.S. native plant alternatives.
• Contact with plant juices and exposure to sun can cause skin irritation.