Bronze Fennel: A Beautiful and Functional Garden Addition

Bronze Fennel: A Beautiful and Functional Garden Addition

Bronze fennel (Foeniculum vulgare ‘Purpureum’) is a captivating herb known for its dark, feathery foliage and delicate, licorice-scented flavor. This unique perennial is a striking addition to any garden, offering beauty, culinary versatility, and environmental benefits. Its tall stems and bronze-purple hues create a dramatic backdrop that contrasts nicely with other plants. Beyond aesthetics, bronze fennel is also a magnet for pollinators, particularly butterflies, making it a valuable herb for wildlife-friendly gardens. Whether you’re cooking up a storm or looking to attract beneficial insects, bronze fennel checks all the boxes! Bronze fennel can reach heights of 4-6 feet, making it an impressive addition to garden borders or herb beds. Its tall, airy form adds vertical interest and texture.

Key Facts About Bronze Fennel

Sun requirements: At least 6 hours

Water requirements: Well-drained soil. Relatively drought-tolerant.

Height: 5-7 feet

Spread: 18-24 inches. It’s important to note that bronze fennel can self-seed prolifically, so control its spread by deadheading the flowers if you don’t want it to naturalize.

Natural habitat: Native to the Mediterranean region, bronze fennel thrives in well-drained soil and open, sunny spaces.

Uses: The leaves, seeds, and stems are all edible. Use the fronds in salads or as a garnish, while the seeds can be harvested for seasoning. Bronze fennel is also popular in teas and can be used to flavor fish and sausage dishes, or as the base for a homemade cordial.

When to harvest: Harvest the leaves anytime during the growing season. The seeds are best collected in late summer when the flowers dry out and the seeds turn brown.

Recipe: For a delicious use of bronze fennel, try Fennel-Roasted Salmon. This recipe makes excellent use of fennel’s aromatic leaves and seeds.

Fun fact: Bronze fennel is a favorite food of the caterpillars of the swallowtail butterfly, which will flock to your garden to lay eggs on the plant.

No No Plants: Tomatoes

Companion plants

• Calendula

• Coneflower

• Dill

• Feathertop Grass

• Globe Thistle

• Lavender

• Onion

• Yarrow

• Zinnia