Bronze fennel is a really cool garden perennial!
The amount of breeding work that has gone into many of our common garden vegetables is quite dramatic. For example, beets and swiss chard are actually the exact same species, Beta vulgaris, bred in two different directions: the species was bred for an enlarged stem base to make beets, and bred for engorged leaves to make swiss chard.
Bronze fennel is the same situation. Foeniculum vulgare was bred to have an enlarged stem base to make our well known garden fennel, whereas bronze fennel was bred for beautiful and fragrant leaves, flowers, and seeds.
The foliage is a rich purple, with the flowers a contrasting yellow. The flower heads are actually clusters of many many very small flowers. There are many little insects who fit perfectly into these little flowers and enjoy them immensely.
The leaves, flowers and seeds are all edible and all exude that wonderful anise-like fennel flavor and aroma.
Bronze fennel is also a great companion plant. It has a deep taproot which paves the way for more superficial roots to drive deeper into the soil. This substantial taproot appreciates water for sure, but does not enjoy stagnant or very heavy soils. In heavy clay soils, raising bronze fennel a bit, or lighten the soil with sand or compost.
Growth Parameters:
Expect an herbaceous perennial 4-5 feet tall if it is thriving. The more sun the better.
