Foeniculum Vulgare Dulce Rubrum

Description

Foeniculum vulgare 'Dulce Rubrum,' commonly known as Bronze Fennel or Sweet Bronze Fennel, is a captivating herb that adds both visual interest and culinary flair to gardens. As a member of the Apiaceae family, this perennial herb exhibits feathery, bronze-colored foliage and an aromatic presence, making it a versatile and attractive addition to various garden settings. The bronze-hued, finely dissected leaves of Sweet Bronze Fennel create a lacy and delicate appearance. The foliage, which takes on a captivating reddish-bronze hue, adds a touch of warmth and elegance to the garden. The feathery texture of the leaves enhances the plant's ornamental value, making it a popular choice for both herb gardens and decorative landscapes. In mid to late summer, Sweet Bronze Fennel produces compound umbels of tiny yellow flowers that attract pollinators, contributing to the garden's biodiversity. The flowers, held above the foliage on sturdy stems, add a delicate and airy quality to the overall composition. Foeniculum vulgare 'Dulce Rubrum' typically reaches a height of 3 to 5 feet (0.9 to 1.5 meters), forming upright clumps. Its airy and graceful growth habit makes it well-suited for border plantings, herb gardens, or mixed perennial beds. The herb's slender stems create a dynamic vertical element in the garden. Native to the Mediterranean region, Sweet Bronze Fennel thrives in well-drained soil and prefers full sun. Its adaptability to various soil types, including sandy or loamy soils, makes it suitable for a range of gardening environments. This herb is known for its culinary uses, with both the leaves and seeds imparting a sweet, licorice-like flavor to dishes. In addition to its culinary applications, Foeniculum vulgare 'Dulce Rubrum' has historical significance and has been used for its medicinal properties. Its aromatic foliage and versatile nature make it a valued herb in traditional and contemporary gardening alike, where it continues to be appreciated for its beauty and practicality.

Sowing Advice

Sow immediately at any time onto preferably a soil-based compost, covering with fine grit to approximately their own depth. Germination MAY be quicker if kept at 15 to 20 degrees C. but many seeds WILL NOT come up the year they are sown, needing winter chilling after sowing, and ONLY come up with natural spring germination.

Key Facts