| Native to the Mediterranean and easy to cultivate, Fennel has become naturalized in parts of the United States. Some of the plants' fern-like leaves, leaf bases and seeds are edible and have a licorice flavor. Like others in the carrot family, their flowers attract beneficial insects such as hoverflies. Swallowtail butterflies lay their eggs on Fennel, and green and yellow caterpillars, called parsleyworms, decorate the plant while they feed. Sow seed in the ground, and thin seedlings to 1 foot apart. Established Fennel seeds itself, so weed out unwanted plants before their extensive root systems make them difficult to remove. A stunning bronze variety also exists. The bulbous root of dwarf Sweet Fennel is edible. |
A bit hardier than the species, its stems and leaves are first purple, then become bronzy-green.
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Attributes - Foeniculum vulgare 'Rubrum'
Plant Type: Biennial
Bloom Season: Early Summer through Late Summer
Flower Color: Yellow
Foliage: Deciduous
Height: 5 ft. to 6 ft.
Width: 1 ft. 8 in.
Sunlight: Full Sun
Climate: Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Notes: Container Plants, Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers.
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