Foeniculum vulgare Purpureum

A bronze-coloured variety of Fennel, Bronze fennel is a clump-forming perennial with finely divided foliage which is purple when young, later grey-green and smoky; flat heads of tiny yellow flowers appear in summer. Culinary use similar to Green fennel. It will re-seed enthusiastically, though, so keep this in mind – you may want to keep it from blooming. Swallowtail butterflies like Fennel as a food source for their caterpillars, who aren’t too destructive and fun to watch as they grow.

Site: Sheltered
Soil: Moist but well-drained
Position: Full sun to part shade
Season of Interest: Culinary use, pollinator plant
Hardiness: Hardy
Height: 5-8ft (1.5-2.5m)  Spread: up to 1.5ft (0.5m)