Bronze Fennel
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Description
Foeniculum vulgare 'Purpureum' Bronze Fennel
Tall, smoky purple-bronze clouds of finely-divided, almost-feathered foliage above an upright stem topped in late summer with flat umbels of mustard-yellow flowers — Bronze Fennel is the architectural herb that earns its place in the cottage border on looks alone, and rewards you with edible leaves, edible seeds and exceptional value for pollinators.
This is the dark-leaved form of the familiar culinary fennel, and it is one of the most architecturally beautiful plants you can grow from seed. The foliage is so finely divided that it reads almost like a haze of smoky purple-bronze mist hovering at 1.2–1.5m, and the flat-topped umbels of yellow flowers in late summer attract bees, hoverflies and beneficial predatory insects in genuine numbers. Bronze fennel is a hardy perennial and deer- and rabbit-resistant. The leaves taste sweetly of aniseed and are a classic culinary pairing for fish; the seeds are the same fennel seeds you buy as spice. Self-seeds enthusiastically once established, so deadhead before seed-set if you want to control its spread.
A note on growing
Sow direct outdoors from March to May. Bronze fennel develops a long taproot and resents transplanting, so direct sowing where plants are to grow produces the strongest results. Sow at 1cm depth in lean, well-drained soil; rich ground produces lush foliage but fewer flowers. Full sun. Germination takes 10–14 days. Thin seedlings to 45cm spacing. Important note for kitchen gardens: do not plant fennel near coriander or dill — fennel is famously antagonistic to other umbellifers and inhibits their growth. Also a poor companion for tomatoes. It is, however, an excellent companion to most non-umbellifer plants and a magnet for beneficial insects in the vegetable garden.
Where it shines
In cottage borders as a tall, architectural backdrop — the smoky bronze foliage provides foil for almost any colour planted in front of it, and the height makes it ideal for the back of the border. In wildlife and pollinator gardens, where the late-summer flowers attract beneficial predators that help control aphids and other pests. In the kitchen, where the leaves, stems and seeds are all edible and quietly distinctive. As a cut flower, the airy foliage and yellow umbels make beautiful additions to summer bouquets.
Plant alongside
For dramatic foliage contrast in the cottage border, combine Bronze Fennel with the silver leaves of Lychnis coronaria, the hot pink of Achillea 'Cerise Queen' and the soft cream of Calendula 'Art Shades Mixed' — the smoky bronze haze pulls the colour scheme together beautifully. For cutting, pair with the architectural form of Bells of Ireland and the airy lime green of Bupleurum 'Griffithii'.
Delivery
The seeds will be dispatched direct to you by Bishy Barnabees. Please allow up to 5 days for delivery.
Delivery & Returns
Delivery:
Delivery to mainland UK is calculated at checkout. For all other areas and large orders please ask for a quote. Orders will be sent by express next day delivery (DPD). They will be dispatched on a next working day service, with the exception of Ireland where it may take two days. Please allow up to 48 hours for delivery in the UK as the couriers may have already been and collected on the day you send your order in. Smaller orders for pouches, pockets, bags and pots may be sent via Royal Mail delivery. Please ensure you supply an email address and a mobile so you can be updated about your delivery. Should you have any problems with your delivery, please contact us at sales@naturalgrower.co.uk.Special Deliveries
Saturday or weekday morning deliveries can be arranged, but there will be a surcharge. Please contact us to request a price for either of these delivery services. If you need a parcel sending outside of the UK, please contact us for a quote.Returns:
If you are not completely happy with any product that you have ordered from us, you may return it to us in its original condition any time within 14 calendar days from the date of dispatch. Products must be returned in their original condition. Please contact us at sales@naturalgrower.co.uk to arrange a return. If you return a product by post, you will need to pay the costs of returning the product to us and obtain proof of posting.
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Organic fertilisers are broken down slowly by organisms in the soil to produce a more measured, consistent, natural release of nutrients. This results in uniform growth with strong stems and leaves, unlike chemical fertilisers which provide a sudden boost resulting in tall lanky plants. Stronger plants are more resistant to disease, and with the presence of mycorrizhal fungi to strengthen the roots, the plants, soil and fungi all work together long-term to create the perfect natural eco-system.
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