Name: Foeniculum vulgare ‘Purpureum’ — Bronze Fennel
Zones: 4 – 9
Size: 4 feet tall by 18 inches wide
Conditions: Full sun to partial shade; moist, well-drained soil.
Bronze fennel is grown in my herb garden for one reason: as a host plant for the Eastern black swallowtail butterfly. The plant itself is very lusty looking. Bronze color adds interest in an herb garden that can be heavy on green.
The feathery foliage looks good all summer, as long as it is not allowed to go to seed. To avoid this, feel free to cut it back during the summer, or just let the larvae do it for you.
Foeniculum vulgare ‘Purpureum’ — Bronze Fennel is invasive in some areas.
By: Helen Yoest
The TarHeelGardening blog is published and edited by Helen Yoest. For more information on Tarheel Gardening, please visit our website at Tarheel Gardening - your online resource for North Carolina gardening enthusiasts.
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