Bronze Fennel

Position: full sunSoil: fertile, moist, well-drained soilRate of growth: fast-growingFlowering period: July to AugustHardiness: fully hardyFine clouds of feathery, bronze-purple leaves are followed by flat-topped, sulphur-yellow flowerheads in mid to late summer and then by aromatic seeds. This giant fennel looks fantastic as a centrepiece for a sunny herb garden, or among tall perennials and grasses. The foliage acts as a delicate veil through which the flower heads of herbaceous plants and bulbs can be seen.Garden care: The plant's tendency to self-seed may be a problem in hot summers. If fennel is being grown exclusively for its foliage, remove the yellow flowerheads to prevent it from self-seeding. When flowers have finished them cut back to 30cm from the ground.Goes well with: Salvia officinalis 'Icterina', Aloysia triphylla, Thymus serphyllum, Petroselium crispum, Ocimum sativum, Mentha spicataThis plant is featured in the Tom Stuart Smith Border. Click here to view the ready-made border design...more Price: £4.95 Source: Crocus •