Bronze Fennel 'Giant Bronze'

'Giant Bronze' is a stunning ornamental and culinary herb that provides a misty, architectural presence in the garden. This herbaceous perennial is grown primarily for its exceptionally fine, feathery foliage that emerges a deep, smoky purple-bronze, fading slightly to a dark green-bronze as it matures. Growing up to 1.8m tall, it produces large, flat umbels of sulphur-yellow flowers in mid to late summer, which are a magnet for hoverflies and ladybirds. The leaves, seeds, and stems all have a sweet aniseed flavour. It is fully hardy (H7) and exceptionally drought-tolerant once established, making it perfect for gravel gardens or the back of a sunny border. It requires a position in full sun and well-drained soil. Gardeners should be aware that it can self-seed prolifically; if this is not desired, the flower heads should be removed before the seeds ripen. The bronze foliage provides a beautiful contrast when planted alongside silver-leaved plants or late-flowering perennials like Rudbeckia.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Well-drained soil.

Hardiness: H7 — below −20°C.

Flowering: Jul, Aug.